Vadadustat is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating symptomatic anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults having maintenance dialysis. Vadadustat is only recommended if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.
If people with the condition and their healthcare professional consider vadadustat and erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) to be suitable treatments, after discussing the advantages and disadvantages of all the options, the least expensive should be used. Administration costs, dosages, price per dose and commercial arrangements should all be taken into account.
Why the committee made these recommendations
Standard treatment for symptomatic anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults having maintenance dialysis is ESAs with iron. Vadadustat could be offered with iron instead of ESAs.
Clinical trial evidence shows that vadadustat increases haemoglobin levels, but not more than ESAs. But vadadustat costs less than ESAs, on average. So, it is recommended.