Velphoro® (PA21) receives US FDA approval for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on dialysis

Donnerstag, 28. November 2013,

_Die Deutsche Version wird im Laufe des Tages online geschalten.

_Velphoro® (previously known as PA21) is an iron-based, calcium-free, chewable phosphate binder. US approval was based on a pivotal Phase III study, which met its primary and secondary endpoints. The study demonstrated that Velphoro® successfully controls hyperphosphatemia with fewer pills than sevelamer carbonate, the current standard of care in patients with CKD on dialysis. The average daily dose to control hyperphosphatemia was 3.3 pills per day after 52 weeks.

_Velphoro® was developed by Vifor Pharma. In 2011, all rights were transferred to Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma, a common company of Galenica and Fresenius Medical Care. In the US, Velphoro® will be marketed by Fresenius Medical Care North America, a company with a strong marketing and sales organization, and expertise in dialysis care. The active ingredient of Velphoro® is produced by Vifor Pharma in Switzerland.

_Hyperphosphatemia, an abnormal elevation of phosphorus levels in the blood, is a common and serious condition in CKD patients on dialysis. Most dialysis patients are treated with phosphate binders. However, despite the availability of a number of different phosphate binders, up to 50% of patients – depending on the region – are still unable to achieve and maintain their target serum phosphorus levels. In some patients, non-compliance due to the high pill burden and poor tolerability appear to be key factors in the lack of control of serum phosphorus levels. On average, dialysis patients take approximately 19 pills per day with phosphate binders comprising approximately 50% of the total daily pill burden. The recommended starting dose of Velphoro® is 3 tablets per day (1 tablet per meal).

_Full results from the pivotal Phase III study involving more than 1,000 patients were presented at both the 50th ERA-EDTA (European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association) Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2013, and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 2013. Velphoro® was shown to be a potent phosphate binder, with lower pill burden and a good safety profile, and offers a new and effective therapeutic option for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on dialysis.

_The regulatory processes in Europe, Switzerland and Singapore are ongoing and decisions are expected in the first half 2014. Further submissions for approval are being prepared.

_Galenica ist eine diversifizierte Unternehmensgruppe im Gesundheitsmarkt, die unter anderem Pharmazeutika entwickelt, produziert und vertreibt, Apotheken führt, Logistikdienstleistungen anbietet sowie Datenbanken offeriert und Netzwerke etabliert. In allen ihren Geschäftsbereichen - Pharma, Logistics, Retail und Healthcare Information - hat die Galenica Gruppe eine führende Position inne. Sie realisiert einen grossen Teil ihres Ertrags im internationalen Umfeld. Galenica ist an der Schweizer Börse kotiert (SIX Swiss Exchange, GALN, Valorennummer 1’553’646).