The Majority of Surveyed Nephrologists Do Not Differentiate Among Oral HIF-PH Inhibitors in Late Stage Clinical Development

BURLINGTON, Mass., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources Group finds that approximately two-thirds of nephrologists do not differentiate among the oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors (Akebia's AKB-6548, FibroGen/AstraZeneca/Astellas's roxadustat, and GlaxoSmithKline's GSK-1278863A) based on the information presented in the product profiles and/or information they already knew about these inhibitors in clinical development.

Other key findings from the report entitled TreatmentTrends: Nephrology (US) Q3 2014, a study based on an online survey of 201 nephrologists in the United States, include:

• Roxadustat and AKB-6548 aided familiarity and interest: Familiarity with roxadustat and AKB-6548 is low, but after reading a product profile, nearly half of the nephrologists expressed high interest in both products.
• GSK-1278863A line of therapy placement: Over 40 percent of nephrologists expect GSK-1278863A to be used before an erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) in chronic kidney disease- non dialysis (CKD-ND) and approximately 60 percent expect it to be used after an ESA in dialysis.
• Injectafer awareness and familiarity: Fifty percent of the nephrologists were aware of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of American Regent's IV iron Injectafer; however, less than 20 percent were highly familiar with it.
• Awareness of recent changes or information in bone and mineral metabolism: About half of the nephrologists aware of new information or recent changes to Vitamin D, Sensipar, or phosphate binders mentioned iron-based phosphate binders.
• Nephrologists' insights on ferric citrate: Over 40 percent of nephrologists strongly believe that ferric citrate, an iron-based phosphate binder, will enable them to reduce use of IV iron and ESAs in dialysis patients.
• Patients who are likely candidates for tenapanor: Ardelyx's/AstraZeneca's tenapanor is a non-systemic small molecule inhibitor of NHE3, a sodium transporter that has demonstrated ability to reduce absorption of dietary sodium and phosphorus, which are key factors in the progression of kidney disease. After reading a product profile, physicians estimate over a quarter of their CKD-ND and dialysis patients are likely candidates for tenapanor, assuming FDA approval.

Comments from Decision Resources Group Business Insights Analyst Jihan Khan, Ph.D.:

• "It is not surprising that nephrologists view AKB-6548, roxadustat, and GSK-1278863A similarly after reading their product profiles because while they are all in late stage clinical development, only one of three has enrolled patients into a Phase 3 program.
• "Phosphate binders appear to be more top-of-mind for nephrologists given the FDA approval of Velphoro (Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma) in November 2013 and the very recent approval of ferric citrate, formerly known as Zerenex."

Additional Resources:

An upcoming report entitled Oral HIF-PH Inhibitors for the Treatment of Renal Anemia in CKD Non-Dialysis: How Will U.S. Physicians and Payers Respond to This Novel Class? will help manufacturers understand why and how oral HIF-PH inhibitors will be used, if they receive FDA approval from both physician and payer perspectives.

A special report published in July 2014 entitled The Impact of New Iron-Based Phosphate Binders on the Hyperphosphatemia Market will also help manufacturers understand why and how Velphoro and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals' ferric citrate will be used.

About Decision Resources Group

Decision Resources Group offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on critical issues within the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Find out more at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information, contact:

Decision Resources Group 
Christopher Comfort 
781-993-2597  
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130103/MM36768LOGO

SOURCE Decision Resources Group