"The company's investment in this study underscores Shire's commitment to characterizing the differences of FOSRENOL and better understand its clinical potential," said Arnaud Partiot, Senior Vice President, Clinical Research and Development, Shire.

Current clinical guidelines recommend targets for phosphorus and other biochemical values including calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. Sustained control within these ranges is associated with improved survival in patients starting dialysis. The level of achievement of the targets in clinical practice has been assessed in large studies such as DOPPS (Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study). Overall, they are modest with less than 50% of patients in the target range for phosphorus, calcium and PTH. Therefore, there is a need for more effective treatment strategies.

SOURCE Shire Plc