Enarodustat for the Treatment of Anemia in Chinese Patients with Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Phase 3 Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Renal anemia is a common complication among patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD), and there remains an unmet need for more efficient and convenient daily oral medications to improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enarodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, in treating anemia for ND-CKD patients. Methods: This phase 3 study was conducted at 48 centers across China, enrolling 156 ND-CKD patients. Participants were randomly randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either enarodustat or placebo for an initial 8-week double-blind period, followed by a 16-week open-label period during which all patients received enarodustat. Results: The primary endpoint was the mean change in hemoglobin (Hb) levels from baseline to the average level during weeks 7-9. Secondary endpoints focused on Hb concentration or treatment pattern, while exploratory endpoints assessed iron metabolism-related parameters. Themean (±SD) change in Hb levels from baseline to weeks 7-9 was 15.99 (±9.46) g/L in the enarodustat group, compared to -0.14 (±8.08) g/L in the placebo group, resulting in a mean difference of 16.00 (±1.54) g/L (p < 0.001). During weeks 7-9, 85.3% of patients in the enarodustat group achieved Hb levels ≥100 g/L with 86.0% maintaining this level during weeks 21-25. In the first 4 weeks, the Hb increased by 11.82 (±9.56) g/L in the enarodustat group. By week 9, the mean change in hepcidin level was -42.94 (±37.56) ng/mL in the enarodustat group, compared to +4.58 (±33.34) ng/mL in the placebo group. Enarodustat also improved other iron-related parameters and reduced the need for iron supplements. The safety profile of enarodustat was well tolerable with adverse events comparable to those of the placebo. Conclusion: Enarodustat effectively corrected renal anemia with a manageable safety profile. Its once-daily oral administration offers convenience that may enhance the adherence. Enarodustat shows the potential as a promising therapy for anemic patients with ND-CKD.