AstraZeneca calls off two phase III trials into hyperkalaemia treatment

Drugmaker AstraZeneca has called off two phase III trials on its hyperkalaemia treatment after a series of logistical challenges.

AstraZeneca said on Friday that its STABILIZE-CKD and DIALIZE-Outcomes trials on its drug Lokelma had been canned, principally due to extended timelines for patient enrolment and lower-than-expected occurrences of the conditions being studied.

The FTSE 100-listed firm highlighted that the discontinuation of the trials was not linked to any safety concerns regarding Lokelma, which was currently approved in 56 countries for treating a broad spectrum of patients with hyperkalaemia.

Instead, the trials related to AZN's CRYSTALIZE evidence programme, aimed at exploring the effectiveness of Lokelma in treating hyperkalaemia across various heart and kidney conditions.

AZN's Sharon Barr said: "Our ambitious CRYSTALIZE programme continues to generate evidence to improve the current management of hyperkalaemia, which we believe leads to better outcomes for cardiorenal patients when a potassium binder is included in their treatment regimen. Lokelma is the leading branded potassium binder globally and continues to benefit a broad hyperkalaemia patient population to achieve rapid, sustained potassium control and is well tolerated."

As of 0855 GMT, AstraZeneca shares were up 1.05% at 10,232.0p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com