Just another day at the PBFluids world headquarters

Waiting for me in my inbox today:

Hello Dr. Topf, 

My name is Julia XXXXX, and on behalf of Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, I’d like to introduce Keryx as a resource for you as you develop content for your blog, Precious Bodily Fluids, given your commitment to advancing understanding of renal diseases. I’d like to periodically share updates from the company to keep you informed regarding its lead therapeutic product and commitment to patients on dialysis.

In fact, Keryx just announced it has begun shipping AURYXIA™ (ferric citrate) tablets to wholesalers in the U.S. Auryxia is approved for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. Auryxia is the first and only absorbable-iron-based phosphate binder that is clinically proven to effectively control phosphate levels within the KDOQI guidelines range of 3.5 mg/dL to 5.5 mg/dL. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Auryxia in September 2014. In addition, Keryx has created the “Keryx Patient Plus” program to assist with patient accessibility to Auryxia. 

For more information, please visit http://www.auryxia.com/. The full press release is below and includes additional information. 

If you are amendable, we will continue to reach out to share updates from Keryx and AURYXIA in the coming year that we hope will be useful for your readers and followers. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Best, 

Julia

My reply

Julia,

Thanks for reaching out. I’m glad there is a new phosphate binder available for dialysis patients. I was wondering if you have any data that shows Auryxia reduces any patient oriented outcomes (e.g. hospitalization, mortality, fractures, morbidity)? And if not, is Karyx planning on doing such a study? And if not, why not?

Joel

Fingers crossed but with a skeptic’s scowl