LG Chem said Thursday that it will co-market Kyowa Kirin’s Nephoxil (ferric citrate hydrate), a hyperphosphatemia drug, for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in Korea. 

Hyperphosphatemia is a disorder of electrolyte metabolism caused by abnormal kidney function that can lead to complications such as cardiovascular and bone disease.

Nephoxil Cap is an iron-based phosphorus binder that reduces the absorption of phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in lower serum phosphorus concentrations, LG Chem said.

The results of the Nephoxil clinical trial showed that the main ingredient, ferric citrate hydrate, acts as a binding agent, increasing iron parameters. This could lower the dosage of hematopoietic agents and iron injections needed to treat anemia and reduce treatment costs.

LG Chem plans to maximize the brand value of Nephoxil through active promotional cooperation with Kyowa Kirin and accelerate market share expansion.

"Based on our partnership with Kyowa Kirin, we are further strengthening our leadership in the field of kidney disease," said Hwang In-chul, Vice President and Head of Primary Care Unit at LG Chem. "We will provide a total solution for kidney disease by building a portfolio of products applicable to the treatment of anemia and chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD)."

"We are pleased to enter into this co-market agreement based on the trust we have built between our companies," said Takaaki Unochi, CEO of Kyowa Kirin Korea. "We look forward to making the lives of patients with kidney disease more valuable through new treatment options."

Meanwhile, LG Chem and Kyowa Kirin have been working together since 2022 to co-commercialize Kyowa Kirin's long-acting hematopoietic drug, Nesp, and secondary hyperparathyroidism drug, Regpara.