One year efficacy and safety of lanthanum carbonate for hyperphosphatemia in Japanese chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Lanthanum carbonate is a non-calcium-based phosphate binder for hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy and safety of lanthanum carbonate (LaC) on hyperphosphatemia in patients has been well documented in clinical trials in Western countries and recent relatively short-term clinical trials in Japan. Evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in Japanese patients for longer-term treatment is now desired for clinical practice. A non-controlled, open-label, multicenter, one year study of LaC to assess safety and its effect on the levels of serum phosphate, serum calcium and parathyroid hormone was performed with Japanese dialysis patients. Lanthanum carbonate was administered to patients at variable doses for a period of 46-52 weeks. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of LaC in reducing serum phosphate was performed, in addition to extensive and systematic monitoring of the laboratory parameters related to bone turnover and cardiac health. A significant reduction in the serum phosphate level was demonstrated throughout the treatment period (P < 0.05), without any increase in the frequency or severity of drug-related adverse events such as vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort. There was no clinically relevant change in vital signs, or electrocardiograms for a period. The profiles for parathyroid hormone, bone alkaline phosphates, and osteocalcin were stable in the patients concomitantly treated with vitamin D. This study provides further evidence that the administration of LaC over a period of one year is safe and effective for the reduction of serum phosphate levels in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.