AstraZeneca (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN), a leading UK pharmaceutical company, has announced the termination of two late-stage trials for its commercial-stage potassium binder, Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate), in hyperkalemia (HK) across the cardiorenal spectrum. The company has clarified that the decision is not due to safety concerns and does not affect the positive benefit-risk profile of the drug in its current HK indications.
As detailed in the press release, one study assessing Lokelma as an adjunct to optimized RAASi therapy (ACEi/ARB) for CKD progression in participants with CKD and HK or at risk of HK was discontinued due to significantly extended enrollment timelines. Additionally, a trial examining arrhythmia-related cardiovascular outcomes in patients on chronic hemodialysis was stopped due to low event rates. Both situations made it impossible to deliver results within the anticipated timeframe.- Flcube.com
