Genzyme’s Renvela well known, still looking to carve its niche

EXTON, Pa.—Genzyme’s new phosphate binder is well known in the renal community, yet many caregivers have yet to prescribe Renvela to patients, according to a recent report by a market research company.

Despite the slow adoption, however, the report found that many physicians and dietitians expect Renvela to be used more in the next six months among dialysis and chronic kidney disease patients.

BioTrends Research Group has been tracking the awareness of Genzyme’s Renvela since it was released earlier this year. In April, one month after the phosphate binder’s launch, BioTrends surveyed 30 clinical nephrologists and 30 renal dietitians for its “LaunchTrends: Renvela” report.

Phosphate binders are used to treat hyperphosphatemia, which is when the body contains too much phosphorus. The condition is common in kidney disease patients as the kidneys can no longer filter out the excess phosphorus.

Genzyme is referring to Renvela as the next-generation version of Renagel, which was approved by the FDA in 1998 to treat phosphorus levels in dialysis patients. Like Renagel, Renvela is a calcium-free, metal-free, non-absorbed phosphate binder, according to Genzyme. The difference between the two drugs is that Renvela has a carbonate buffer.

Nearly all of the nephrologists and dietitians surveyed by BioTrends were aware of Renvela, but the majority had yet to try the new phosphate binder. The report found that reimbursement is currently the biggest obstacle in its use.

The surveyed nephrologists and dietitians said Genzyme representatives seemed to have ramped up their product promotion, especially compared to their competitors—Fresenius’ PhosLo and Shire’s Fosrenol. The report said the promotions have centered on Renvela’s similarity to Renagel, but with fewer incidences of acidosis and better GI tolerability.

Most of the current Renvela use has been from patients who were switched from Renagel or who were just starting to take phosphate binders, according to the report. There have, however, been some patients switched from competitor products to Renvela. In addition, the report said that Renvela is currently seen as the best choice for patients with metabolic acidosis.