Earlier this year, Cambridge, Mass.-based Genzyme Corp. announced that it’s working with physicians to transition all U.S. patients on the phosphate binder Renagel to Renvela by Sept. 30.
Renvela was launched in March 2008 and is a next-generation version of Renagel, which Genzyme said is the most-prescribed phosphate binder in the United States. Like Renagel, Renvela is a calcium-free, metal-free, non-absorbed treatment approved for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Renvela, however, has a carbonate buffer.
To learn more about the transition and other developments, Renal Business Today spoke with Dan Regan, senior vice president of Genzyme’s U.S. renal business. The Q & A follows below.
What was the rational behind making this switch from Renagel to Renvela, and what challenges are there in getting it done by Sept. 30?
[Renvela] is an improvement over what is already a very good product in Renagel. The reason we did it is that Genzyme is committed to improving the care of kidney patients, and we believe that Renvela is the best option for patients who need a phosphate binder. That’s why we’re working hard to fully transition all appropriate patients to this treatment option.
It’s really an improved formulation of Renagel. It has the added benefit of a carbonate buffer. What that added benefit equals is improved serum bicarbonate levels, improved overall GI tolerability, and it also offers us the ability to develop a new formulation, particularly a powder formulation. Lastly, it also gives us the opportunity to eventually expand into CKD stages 3 and 4.
