New treatment approaches in chronic kidney disease-associated anaemia

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) and iron are the main tools for treating anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pharmaceutical research has focused on modified epoetins or different strategies to stimulate erythropoiesis with the idea of improving relative disadvantages of the molecules already available in the market.

Following a literature search on PubMed using anaemia, haemoglobin, erythropoietin (EPO), hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) inhibitors and chronic kidney disease as keywords, we critically analysed new strategies for increasing erythropoiesis, looking in depth at their peculiar characteristics and possible advantages in the clinical setting.

In recent years the ESA market is facing a number of hurdles making it less appealing than before. Economic recession or stagnation has raised the need of sustainability of medical treatment. New treatments must bring clear benefits compared to existing drugs. In addition to this, ESA consumption has been progressively reduced, fearing possible risks of increased cardiovascular events especially when given at excessive doses. New drugs may also undergo premature stopping because of unexpected adverse reactions as for peginesatide. At present, the most promising approach to anaemia treatment in CKD patients is the manipulation of the HIF system. The regulation of activin A pathway is another option with good potential, also considering the additional advantage of increasing bone mass.