GSK plc has announced the FDA approval of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) for the treatment of anaemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least four months. Jesduvroq is the only oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) approved in the US, providing a new convenient option for patients with anaemia of CKD on dialysis.
Anaemia of CKD is a debilitating condition affecting one in seven patients with CKD and can lead to poor clinical outcomes if left untreated or undertreated. The last innovative medicine for anaemia treatment was developed over 30 years ago, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options.
ZoomRx, the leading strategic lifesciences consulting firm conducted a survey with a panel of 31 Nephrologists to understand their first impressions and experiences with Jesduvroq. Almost all HCPs indicated awareness and close to half of these HCPs indicated a high likelihood to use Jesduvroq for their next anemia CKD patient.
Based on the responses provided by HCPs, some of the drivers to use Jesduvroq (daprodustat) for anemia associated with CKD are that it is a promising new oral option, the first HIF inhibitor to be approved, and can improve iron stores. Additionally, it is indicated for use in certain CKD patients, such as those on dialysis, and could reduce the need for in-center clinic visits for ESA injections. Some HCPs express excitement to use the drug.
On the other hand, some of the barriers to use Jesduvroq include concerns about potential side effects, the need for cost analysis, and the lack of long-term studies to fully assess its benefits. Additionally, the drug is only indicated for certain types of CKD patients, which may limit its use in some cases. Some HCPs express hesitancy or concern about the drug's safety or suitability for non-dialysis patients.
Read some of the first reactions below -
“It is an exiting new agent, for the treatment of anemia, but i am concerned about side effects.”
“This will be another option for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients on dialysis. In patients on home dialysis therapies, this would enable patients to have fewer incenter clinic visits for ESA injections. Additionally, CV risks may be decreased with daprodustadt, but long term studies are needed.”
“daprodustat is no better or worse than current the current standard of care. It is the first HIF to be approved although cannot be used in non-ESRD patients.”
The approval of Jesduvroq is a significant step forward in the treatment of anemia of CKD and provides a much-needed new option for patients. However, long-term studies are needed to fully assess the safety and efficacy of the drug, and cost analysis is necessary to determine its affordability. Nonetheless, this new medicine provides hope for patients with anemia of CKD and offers a new avenue for further research in this field.
Stay tuned for more updates on the launch perceptions of 2023 drugs in the upcoming months.
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