NEPHROLOGY PRODUCTS

Ferinject^® (ferric carboxymaltose) is an intravenous (i.v.) iron indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, where oral iron is ineffective or cannot be used or when there is a clinical need to deliver iron rapidly.

Among others, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are especially common in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also a condition affecting patients in preoperative and perioperative situations, as well as premenopausal women, including women affected by heavy menstrual bleeding and in peri-partum.

In the US, Ferinject^® is commercialised under the brand name Injectafer^®. Ferinject^® has received market approval in 82 countries.

The active ingredient of Ferinject^®, ferric carboxymaltose, is composed of a poly-nuclear iron core stabilised by a carboxymaltose shell that ensures an effective iron utilisation. When injected, this complex releases the iron, which will be either stored or exported in the blood plasma for transportation and utilisation where it is needed.

Venofer^® (iron sucrose (iron (III)-hydroxide sucrose complex) is a low-dose intravenous (i.v.) iron sucrose product, used for i.v. treatment of iron deficiency when oral iron preparations are ineffective or cannot be used e.g. in anaemic dialysis patients.

Venofer^® is a nanomedicine, recognised by the US Food and drug administration. Scientific evidence demonstrates that nanomedicine similars have a different efficacy and safety profile compared with Venofer^®.

For patients suffering from kidney disease, kidney dysfunction can lead to a deficit in the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a natural hormone produced by the kidneys, which regulates the production of red blood cells. Therefore, a deficit in EPO leads to a deficit in red blood cells, a condition known as anaemia. Venofer^®, taken with medications that stimulate the production of EPO, increases iron levels, allowing the body to effectively produce more red blood cells and control anaemia.

Mircera^® (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) is a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) licensed from F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in 2015 to treat symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease. Mircera^® is a core part of CSL Vifor's renal anaemia strategy and is supplied to over 3,000 dialysis clinics in the US and its territories. Mircera.com (US Healthcare Professionals Only)

Retacrit^® is a short-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2018. It is the first biosimilar ESA approved in the US. CSL Vifor licensed rights from Pfizer Inc., in 2015 to commercialise Retacrit^® in the US dialysis and non-hospital market, enabling CSL Vifor to offer customers a full range of ESA treatment options to support patient needs.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a natural hormone produced by the kidneys, which regulates the production of red blood cells. For patients with kidney disease, kidney dysfunction can lead to a deficit in the production of EPO, resulting in a significant decrease in the production of red blood cells, a condition known as anaemia. In dialysis patients, advanced kidney impairments lead to a lack of natural EPO, which results in severe anaemia. In these cases, treatment with ESAs is recommended because they act in place of natural EPO to stimulate red blood cell production. Short-acting ESAs are typically administered two to three times a week. Long-acting ESAs have been designed to have a much longer lasting effect, allowing for dosing once or twice a month.

Velphoro^® (Polynuclear Iron (III)-Oxyhydroxide, Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide) is a non-calcium, iron-based chewable phosphate binder developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, in adults with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. At the end of 2019, Velphoro^® was registered in 42 countries.

The active ingredient of Velphoro^® is a phosphate binder. When taken with meals, the iron contained in Velphoro^® binds to the phosphate in food that passes through the intestine, preventing its absorption into the body, therefore helping to keep phosphate levels in the blood low.

The strong binding capacity of Velphoro^® allows patients to maintain target serum phosphate levels with half the pill burden. A lower pill burden can increase adherence, leading to an effective control of phosphate levels.