GSK Touts Positive Phase 3 Results for Daprodustat for CKD-Linked Anemia

GlaxoSmithKline released positive topline results from five clinical studies of daprodustat, its investigational drug for treatment of anemia that occurs with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

In the five studies, which are all part of GSK’s phase 3 ASCEND program, daprodustat “met its primary efficacy endpoint in each study,” the company said, showing an improvement in hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in patients who were not treated with erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA), a standard treatment option, and maintaining Hgb levels in patients treated with ESA.

Daprodustat inhibits an enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of erythropoietin and maintains iron levels in the body. The drug is currently approved only in Japan under the trade name Duvroq and only for patients with renal anemia.