Phase 3 trial examined 154 non-dialysis, CKD patients in China. These patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive Roxadustat or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. The group that received the HIF inhibitor saw a change from baseline in the hemoglobin level, with an average increase of 1.9 g/dL versus a decrease of 0.4 g/dL in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Roxadustat was not devoid of side effects however, which warrants a careful look at the results. Specifically, patients in the treatment group experienced more hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Despite these results, we eagerly await results of ongoing studies in patients on dialysis.
