CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ - News) announced today that a recently completed study of Renvela(TM) (sevelamer carbonate) achieved its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in serum phosphorus for hyperphosphatemic patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis.
Patients treated with Renvela also achieved a significant reduction in calcium-phosphorus product and in LDL cholesterol. The drug was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with the clinical experience of patients on dialysis using Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride). The multi-center, single arm, open-label trial involved 49 patients at multiple study sites throughout Europe and Australia.
Full data will be presented at a future medical conference.
Renvela is a buffered form of Renagel, the most-prescribed phosphate binder in the United States. Like Renagel, Renvela is a calcium-free, metal- free, non-absorbed phosphate binder and will initially be available as 800mg tablets once approved.
The results announced today represent one portion of a comprehensive clinical program for sevelamer carbonate. Data showing the equivalence of sevelamer carbonate and sevelamer hydrochloride were presented last week at the spring clinical meeting of the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, enrollment is complete in two studies comparing a powder form of sevelamer carbonate to Renagel tablets dosed three times per day, including one study in which the powder form is dosed three times per day, and one in which it is dosed once per day.
A New Drug Application for Renvela is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
About Renagel
Renagel controls serum phosphorus in patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Controlling serum phosphorus is an important element in the care of hemodialysis patients. Elevated serum phosphorus levels are common in dialysis patients and associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Renagel provides the added benefit of significant LDL cholesterol reduction (32 percent).
The National Kidney Foundation’s 2003 K/DOQI guidelines for Bone Metabolism and Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease recommend sevelamer hydrochloride as a first-line treatment option to control phosphorus. Renagel is the only phosphate binder available that does not contain either calcium or a metal. It has an established safety profile, is not systemically absorbed and provides phosphorus control without the concerns of calcium or metal accumulation. Renagel is used by more than 350,000 people worldwide.
Product Information
Renagel is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. Renagel is contraindicated in patients with hypophosphatemia or bowel obstruction. In a 52-week study, the most common side effects included vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Drug-drug interactions may occur with some medications and should be taken into consideration when instructing patients how to take Renagel.
For more information about Renagel, including complete prescribing information, please visit www.renagel.com .
About Genzyme
One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. Genzyme has been selected by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for” in the United States.
With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company’s products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme’s commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.
Genzyme® and Renagel® are registered trademarks and Renvela(TM) is a trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.
Genzyme’s press releases and other company information are available at www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme’s investor information line at 1-800- 905-4369 within the United States or 1-703-797-1866 outside the United States.
Media Contact: Investor Contact: Bo Piela Sally Curley (617) 768-6579 (617) 768-6140
Source: Genzyme Corp.
