Akebia starts Phase II of vadadustat in CKD

Akebia Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) began the Phase II FO₂RWARD trial to compare once-daily oral vadadustat vs. epoetin alfa to treat anemia in about 78 dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who are hyporesponsive to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).

The open-label, U.S. trial’s primary endpoint is reduction in previously prescribed epoetin alfa dose and change in hemoglobin level. Safety will also be evaluated as a secondary endpoint...