Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in the Management of Anemia in Patients with CKD

Target Audience
This activity is intended for nephrology specialty HCPs that manage patients with anemia in CKD.

Program Overview
Patients with CKD and anemia experience substantially increased burdens to morbidity and mortality. The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron supplementation are the mainstays of therapy, yet ESA has been associated with increased cardiovascular adverse events. Increased understanding of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) have led to the development of novel therapies, HIF-PHIs, that work by simulating hypoxia in cells, thereby stimulating EPO synthesis and improving iron metabolism and mobilization through recduced hepcidin levels. Four HIF-PHIs are currently undergoing late-stage development, with one agent already approved to treat anemia in patients with CKD in China. It is important that healthcare providers are updated on the clinical trial data of these novel therapies so they are better prepared to integrate these agents in to clinical practice upon FDA approval.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Describe the prevalence of and burden associated with anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those who are hyporesponsive to Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) therapy
Discuss the pathogenic mechanisms involved in anemia associated with CIKD, including the roles of inflamation, hepcidin, and the HIF pathway
Explain the clinical utility of measuring hepcidin levels in patiens with anemia and CKD
Review outcomes from clinical trials evaluating the use of HIF-PHIs to treat anemia in patients with CKD