Genzyme Launches Renvela (powder form of phosphorus binder)Posted by: dracinsky in General nephrology on Nov 10, 2009
Tagged in: hyperphosphatemia , chronic kidney disease
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Genzyme Corp. announced Nov. 10 that it has launched a powder form of its phosphorus binder Renvela in the United States.
Renvela is the only phosphate binder available in both tablet and powder dosing options, according to Genzyme.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the powder form of Renvela on Aug.12.
“The launch of Renvela powder demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing new alternatives for kidney disease patients,” said Dan Regan, senior vice president and general manager of Genzyme’s renal business. “Providing an alternate dosing option is one part of our larger effort to ensure that everyone who can benefit from our therapies has access to them, including those patients who may find it easier to take their treatment in a powder form.”
The Renvela powder will be available in a 2.4 g packet which is equivalent to three Renvela 800 mg tablets and should be given three times daily with meals, according to Genzyme. Each 2.4 g packet should be mixed with at least 2 oz. of water, an amount that is similar to that which is typically used to take tablets. Based on clinical studies, the average prescribed daily dose of Renvela powder is approximately 7.2 g per day.
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.
http://www.ukidney.com/nephrology-blog/dracinsky/genzyme-launches-renvela-powder-form-of-phosphorus-binder