Phosphate Binder Aids Dialysis Patients

Two phase III studies have shown that treatment with a phosphate binder can lower high phosphate levels associated with end-stage renal disease and reduce the occurrence of hypercalcemia, a common side effect linked to cardiovascular disease. The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in Philadelphia (PA, USA.)

Interim data from a 1,200 patient long-term study showed fewer serious adverse events and deaths in the group receiving the phosphate binder (lanthanum carbonate). The study also revealed a statistically significant reduction in mortality in these patients, compared with those receiving standard therapies. Data collection and analyses are ongoing.

"High levels of phosphate and calcium x phosphate product in renal disease are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and although conventional treatments such as calcium are effective, concern is growing about their long-term safety,” said Dr. William Finn, principal investigator and professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, USA). "The new data from the US study support our assessment of longer-term efficacy and tolerability up to two years.”

Lanthanum carbonate works by binding to dietary phosphate in the stomach. Once bound, the phosphate complex cannot pass through the stomach lining into the bloodstream and is eliminated from the body. As a consequence, overall phosphate absorption is decreased significantly. Lanthanum carbonate is being studied for commercialization by Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc (Basingstroke, UK)




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