Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a general term for a set of heterogeneous disorders that negatively affect the function and structure of the kidney. CKD is characterized by a progressive loss of function and can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating dialysis. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and hypertension. As the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes continues to increase, so too does the prevalence of CKD and the cost to national healthcare systems for treating these patients. Thus, the commercial opportunity for drugs with proven efficacy in delaying the progression of this condition and/or treating its symptoms is considerable.
Because of the lack of disease-modifying agents for CKD, treatment is aimed at minimizing the symptoms and complications arising from progressively diminished kidney function. The most common complications are renal anemia, hyperphosphatemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. This content takes a comprehensive look at the CKD therapy market, including treatment practices, unmet need, the early- and late-stage therapy pipelines, the likely impact of emerging therapies, and reimbursement and access restrictions.