Press Release
Vifor Pharma and Akebia Therapeutics Announce Expansion of License Agreement
Expanded license creates opportunity for vadadustat to be provided to up to 60% of U.S. dialysis patients, subject to
ZURICH &
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Under the terms of the agreement signed in
The license, which is subject to vadadustat’s approval by the
Under the terms of the amended agreement, Akebia is eligible to receive an additional
Vadadustat is an investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor currently in Phase III development for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“We believe the expansion of this agreement reflects enthusiasm about our development program and the potential for vadadustat to treat anemia due to CKD,” stated
Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor currently in global Phase III development for the treatment of anemia due to CKD. Vadadustat’s proposed mechanism of action is designed to mimic the physiologic effect of altitude on oxygen availability. At higher altitudes, the body responds to lower oxygen availability with increased production of HIF, which coordinates the interdependent processes of iron mobilisation and erythropoietin production to increase red blood cell production and, ultimately, improve oxygen delivery. Vadadustat is an investigational therapy and is not approved by the
Forward-Looking Statements: This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates and expectations will be achieved. Words such as “anticipate,” “create,” “expect,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “contemplate,” “estimate,” “position,” “predict,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “working to,” “look forward” and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions or events identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, including regarding vadadustat’s potential to set a new standard of care, vadadustat’s therapeutic potential, and vadadustat’s market and growth opportunity and potential, are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Akebia’s plans, estimates or expectations could include, but are not limited to: the results of Akebia’s clinical trials; the timing and content of interactions with and decisions made by regulatory authorities; and success of others in developing competing products. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in Akebia’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings that Akebia may make with the
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Source:
Vifor Pharma: Media Relations
Heide Hauer
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel.: +41 58 851 80 87
E-mail:
media@viforpharma.com
Vifor Pharma: Investor Relations
Julien Vignot
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +41 58 851 66 90
E-mail: investors@viforpharma.com
Akebia: Investor and Media Relations
Kristen K. Sheppard, Esq.
VP of Investor Relations
E-mail: ksheppard@akebia.com
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.
245 First Street, Suite 1400
Cambridge, MA 02142
+1 617.871.2098 phone
+1 617.871.2099 fax