Relypsa's Veltassa Continues An Upward Trajectory Among Nephrologists But Familiarity And Use Is More Muted Among Cardiologists

ZUG, Switzerland, May 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the most recent monthly nephrology survey fielded at the end of April (n=112), the user base for Veltassa continues to expand with more than half of the nephrologists in trial mode. Current users have high satisfaction levels and physicians consistently report that a healthy number of their hyperkalemic patients are Veltassa candidates across all treatment settings. Overall the majority of nephrologists expect to increase their use of Veltassa in the near term and very few nephrologists do not see a role for Veltassa in their practice.

The six-hour dose separation requirement is noted as the leading disadvantage with nearly 90% of the respondents indicating that this does somewhat limit their use of Veltassa.  This is largely consistent with feedback from cardiologists (n=93), although familiarity with Veltassa and trial rates are significantly lower among cardiologists compared to nephrologists. Both specialists agree that Veltassa is most beneficial as a long term therapy as it allows for the extended the use of ACE/ARB therapy in CKD/CHF patients.

European physicians may soon have access to Veltassa as well.  Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma submitted a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Veltassa in late April.  According to Market Dynamix: Hyperkalemia in the EU5, over 300 cardiologists and nephrologists reported that the unmet need for a new hyperkalemia treatment is high.  Cardiologists estimate that 40% of their patients with CHF and CKD would be candidates for chronic treatment, the highest among various patient types prone to hyperkalemia.  There are significant differences between the five major countries in terms of potassium resin use.  Similar to the US market, nephrologists were significantly more familiar with pipeline agents compared to their cardiology counterparts.

May could introduce more paradigm shifting with the potential approval of AstraZeneca's ZS-9.  Familiarity with ZS-9 has reached an all-time high among nephrologists with about 40% reporting high familiarity with the drug.  The next RealTime Dynamix: Hyperkalemia will field to nephrologists and cardiologists in late May with additional insight provided by renal dietitians and nephrology nurse practitioners.

About Spherix Global Insights 
Spherix Global Insights is a newly established business intelligence and market research company headquartered in Zug, Switzerland with US offices in Cambridge, MA. We specialize in renal, autoimmune, neurologic and rare disease markets. 

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