Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factors for the Treatment of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

BACKGROUND: Anemia, a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), has previously been attributed primarily to decreased production of erythropoietin. More recently, it has become apparent that the etiology of anemia involves several other factors, most notably dysfunctional iron metabolism, mediated via increased hepcidin activity and reduced clearance. Current management of anemia in patients with advanced CKD is based on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplementation, along with red blood cell transfusions when necessary; however, safety considerations associated with these therapies highlight the need to pursue alternative treatment options targeting other mechanisms such as…

• A
  AstraZeneca
• F
  FibroGen
• AP
  Astellas Pharma
• AT
  Akebia Therapeutics