Akebia Therapeutics and Innovative Renal Care Announce Nationwide Availability of Vafseo® (vadadustat) Across All IRC Dialysis Clinics

Rhea-AI Summary

Akebia Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AKBA) and Innovative Renal Care (IRC) announced the nationwide availability of Vafseo® (vadadustat) across IRC's network of over 230 dialysis centers in 28 states and Washington, D.C. The treatment is now accessible to eligible patients among IRC's 16,000+ patient base.

Vafseo, FDA-approved in March 2024 for treating anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adults on dialysis for at least three months, became commercially available in January 2025. The drug is now accessible to over 55,000 patients through dialysis provider protocols, with expected expansion to reach 275,000 patients by Q4 2025.

Positive

• Expanded nationwide availability across IRC's 230+ dialysis centers in 28 states
• Current access to 55,000 patients through dialysis provider protocols
• Projected expansion to reach 275,000 patients by Q4 2025
• Strong partnership with major kidney care provider IRC enhances market penetration

Negative

• Treatment limited to patients who meet specific FDA-approved clinical criteria
• Only available for patients who have been on dialysis for at least three months

Insights

Pharmaceutical Market Analyst

Akebia's Vafseo gains significant market traction with IRC partnership, expanding access to 55,000+ dialysis patients with plans to reach 275,000.

This IRC partnership marks a critical commercial milestone for Akebia's Vafseo, establishing distribution across 230+ dialysis centers in 28 states. The standardized treatment protocol implementation is particularly significant coming just 7 months after commercial launch and about 17 months post-FDA approval.

The expansion to 55,000 patients through dialysis provider protocols represents substantial market penetration for this oral HIF-PH inhibitor in the dialysis-dependent anemia market. The projected access to 275,000 patients by Q4-end suggests Akebia is successfully executing its commercialization strategy and securing critical provider partnerships.

This development positions Vafseo to potentially disrupt the $3+ billion U.S. dialysis anemia market traditionally dominated by injectable erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The announcement signals strong provider acceptance, a critical factor for successful market penetration in the highly concentrated dialysis market where a few major providers control patient access.

IRC's implementation of a standardized protocol is especially valuable as it simplifies prescribing decisions and typically accelerates adoption rates. With over 550,000 Americans on dialysis, Akebia's projected access to half that population by year-end demonstrates remarkable commercial execution for a recently launched specialty pharmaceutical.

Nephrology Specialist

IRC's adoption of Vafseo across 230+ centers gives dialysis patients access to an oral HIF-PH inhibitor, potentially improving anemia management convenience.

The clinical implementation of Vafseo (vadadustat) across IRC's network represents a significant therapeutic advancement for dialysis patients with anemia. As an oral HIF-PH inhibitor, Vafseo offers a mechanistically distinct approach from traditional injectable ESAs by stimulating endogenous erythropoietin production through hypoxia-inducible factor stabilization.

The standardized treatment protocol implementation is medically significant as it ensures consistent clinical decision-making across IRC's diverse network. The requirement that patients must meet both FDA-approved clinical criteria and access through IRC's care model indicates appropriate clinical governance in the rollout.

For eligible dialysis patients, Vafseo offers potential advantages including oral administration (versus injections), which may improve treatment experience. The stipulation that patients must have been on dialysis for at least three months aligns with clinical best practices, allowing for stabilization of newly-initiated dialysis patients before introducing this therapy.

With anemia affecting 85-90% of dialysis-dependent CKD patients and associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life, expanding treatment options through standardized protocols represents meaningful clinical progress. IRC's decision to implement this therapy broadly signals confidence in its clinical profile and potential benefits for this medically complex patient population.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akebia Therapeutics^®, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, and Innovative Renal Care (IRC), a leading comprehensive kidney care provider in the U.S., today announced the broad availability of Vafseo^® (vadadustat) for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dialysis patients across all IRC clinics.

Innovative Renal Care (IRC) has implemented a standardized treatment protocol for Vafseo^® (vadadustat) across its network of more than 230 dialysis centers in 28 states and Washington, D.C., making it available as a treatment option for patients who both meet the FDA-approved clinical criteria and have access through IRC’s care model. This supports expanded availability for a subset of the more than 16,000 patients under IRC’s care, based on eligibility and clinical appropriateness.

Vafseo was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2024 for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. The therapy became commercially available in the U.S. in January 2025.

“IRC is focused on delivering patient-centered care through strong partnerships that support our mission of delivering more tomorrows to patients,” said Dr. Geoffrey Walker, Chief Medical Officer at Innovative Renal Care. “Akebia shares our dedication to the kidney care community, and we’re proud to expand access to Vafseo as an innovative treatment option for our dialysis patients.”

“As Vafseo continues to gain traction as a potential new standard of care for anemia management in dialysis patients, we’re pleased that Vafseo is broadly available through IRC’s extensive network,” said Nicholas Grund, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Akebia. “With Vafseo now accessible to over 55,000 patients through dialysis provider protocols, we expect to expand our total access to more than 275,000 patients by the end of Q4—positioning us for a significant increase in adoption.”

About Innovative Renal Care 
Innovative Renal Care (IRC) is a national leader in kidney care, partnering with nephrologists and health systems to provide exceptional care for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Through joint ventures and an innovative, collaborative model, IRC empowers local care teams with the tools, technology, and support to deliver industry-leading clinical outcomes and a better patient experience. Guided by our commitment to Delivering More Tomorrows, IRC stands apart as a trusted partner in advancing kidney care—one patient, one partnership, and one outcome at a time. To learn more, visit www.innovativerenal.com. 

About Akebia Therapeutics
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. Akebia was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com, which does not form a part of this release.

About Vafseo^® (vadadustat) tablets
Vafseo^® (vadadustat) tablets is a once-daily oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that activates the physiologic response to hypoxia to stimulate endogenous production of erythropoietin, increasing hemoglobin and red blood cell production to manage anemia. Vafseo is approved for use in 37 countries.

INDICATION

VAFSEO is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months.

Limitations of Use

• VAFSEO has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.
• VAFSEO is not indicated for use:
  • As a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.
  • In patients with anemia due to CKD not on dialysis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION about VAFSEO (vadadustat) tablets

WARNING: INCREASED RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, and THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS.

VAFSEO increases the risk of thrombotic vascular events, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial and venous thrombotic events, as occurs with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), which also increase erythropoietin levels.

No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, dose of VAFSEO, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.

Use the lowest dose of VAFSEO sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Known hypersensitivity to VAFSEO or any of its components
• Uncontrolled hypertension

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• Increased Risk of Death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), Stroke, Venous Thromboembolism, and Thrombosis of Vascular Access
  A rise inhemoglobin (Hb) levels greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks can increase these risks. Avoid in patients with a history of MI, cerebrovascular event, or acute coronary syndrome within the 3 months prior to starting VAFSEO. Targeting a Hb level of greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial and venous thrombotic events. Use the lowest effective dose to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Adhere to dosing and Hb monitoring recommendations to avoid excessive erythropoiesis.

• Hepatotoxicity
  Hepatocellular injury attributed to VAFSEO was reported in less than 1% of patients, including one severe case with jaundice. Elevated serum ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels were observed in 1.8%, 1.8%, and 0.3% of CKD patients treated with VAFSEO, respectively. Measure ALT, AST, and bilirubin before treatment and monthly for the first 6 months, then as clinically indicated. Discontinue VAFSEO if ALT or AST is persistently elevated or accompanied by elevated bilirubin. Not recommended in patients with cirrhosis or active, acute liver disease.

• Hypertension
  Worsening of hypertension was reported in 14% of VAFSEO and 17% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Serious worsening of hypertension was reported in 2.7% of VAFSEO and 3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Cases of hypertensive crisis, including hypertensive encephalopathy and seizures, have also been reported in patients receiving VAFSEO. Monitor blood pressure. Adjust anti-hypertensive therapy as needed.

• Seizures
  Seizures occurred in 1.6% of VAFSEO and 1.6% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Monitor for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms, or change in seizure frequency.

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Erosion
  Gastric or esophageal erosions occurred in 6.4% of VAFSEO and 5.3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Serious GI erosions, including GI bleeding and the need for RBC transfusions, were reported in 3.4% of VAFSEO and 3.3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Consider this risk in patients at increased risk of GI erosion. Advise patients about signs of erosions and GI bleeding and urge them to seek prompt medical care if present.

• Serious Adverse Reactions in Patients with Anemia Due to CKD and Not on Dialysis
  The safety of VAFSEO has not been established for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults not on dialysis and its use is not recommended in this setting. In large clinical trials in adults with anemia of CKD who were not on dialysis, an increased risk of mortality, stroke, MI, serious acute kidney injury, serious hepatic injury, and serious GI erosions was observed in patients treated with VAFSEO compared to darbepoetin alfa.

• Malignancy
  VAFSEO has not been studied and is not recommended in patients with active malignancies. Malignancies were observed in 2.2% of VAFSEO and 3.0% of darbepoetin alfa patients. No evidence of increased carcinogenicity was observed in animal studies.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

• The most common adverse reactions (occurring at ≥ 10%) were hypertension and diarrhea.
  

DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Iron supplements and iron-containing phosphate binders: Administer VAFSEO at least 1 hour before products containing iron.
• Non-iron-containing phosphate binders: Administer VAFSEO at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after non-iron-containing phosphate binders.
• BCRP substrates: Monitor for signs of substrate adverse reactions and consider dose reduction.
• Statins: Monitor for statin-related adverse reactions. Limit the daily dose of simvastatin to 20 mg and rosuvastatin to 5 mg.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm.
• Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended until two days after the final dose.
• Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in patients with cirrhosis or active, acute liver disease.
  

Please note that this information is not comprehensive. Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.'s ("Akebia's") strategy, plans, prospects, expectations, beliefs, intentions and goals are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Akebia’s expectations regarding significant increase in adoption; Akebia’s expectations regarding broad availability of Vafseo for the treatment of anemia in CKD in patients across all IRC clinics; and Akebia’s beliefs and plans to establish Vafseo as the new standard of care for the treatment of anemia due to CKD. The terms "intend," "believe," "plan," "goal," "potential," "anticipate, "estimate," "expect," "future," "will," "continue," derivatives of these words, and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results, performance or experience may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, risks associated with: the implementation and adoption of Vafseo across IRC’s clinics; patient eligibility and access; the implementation of standardized treatment protocols; the potential therapeutic benefits, safety profile, and effectiveness of Vafseo; the results of preclinical and clinical research; decisions made by health authorities, such as the FDA, with respect to regulatory filings and other interactions; the commercial availability of Vafseo; the potential demand and market potential and acceptance of, as well as coverage and reimbursement related to, Vafseo, including estimates regarding the potential market opportunity; the competitive landscape for Vafseo, including generic entrants and the timing thereof; the ability of Akebia to attract and retain qualified personnel; Akebia's ability to achieve and maintain profitability and to maintain operating expenses consistent with its operating plan; manufacturing, supply chain and quality matters and any recalls, write-downs, impairments or other related consequences or potential consequences; early termination of any of Akebia's collaborations; and changes in the geopolitical environment and uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy on tariffs. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Akebia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and other filings that Akebia may make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. These forward-looking statements (except as otherwise noted) speak only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Akebia does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Akebia Therapeutics^® and Vafseo^® are registered trademarks of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

Akebia Therapeutics Contact
Mercedes Carrasco
mcarrasco@akebia.com

Innovative Renal Care 
Amanda Reed 
VP, Marketing & Communications
(321) 243-4374 
Amanda.Reed@InnovativeRenal.com

FAQ

When did the FDA approve Vafseo (vadadustat) for treating anemia in CKD patients?

The FDA approved Vafseo in March 2024 for treating anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adult patients who have been on dialysis for at least three months.

How many patients will have access to Vafseo through Akebia's dialysis provider protocols by Q4 2025?

Akebia expects to expand access to 275,000 patients by the end of Q4 2025, up from the current 55,000 patients with access.

How many dialysis centers does IRC operate where Vafseo is now available?

IRC operates more than 230 dialysis centers across 28 states and Washington, D.C., where Vafseo is now available to eligible patients.

What are the eligibility requirements for patients to receive Vafseo treatment at IRC clinics?

Patients must meet FDA-approved clinical criteria, have been receiving dialysis for at least three months, and have access through IRC's care model.

How many patients are currently under IRC's care who could potentially access Vafseo?

IRC provides care to more than 16,000 patients, with Vafseo available to a subset of these patients based on eligibility and clinical appropriateness.