FDA approves Veltassa treat hyperkalemia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Veltassa (patiromer for oral suspension) to treat patients with elevated levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as  hyperkalemia.  

Potassium helps the proper functioning of a body's cells. Excess potassium is removed by the kidneys, but when kidney function is impaired by kidney disease or heart failure, the kidneys are unable to maintain the correct potassium level in the blood.

“Too much potassium in the blood can lead to dangerous, even fatal, changes in heart rhythm,” FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products Director Norman Stockbridge said. “It is important to have treatment options for hyperkalemia available to patients.”

Veltassa, manufactured by Relypsa, Inc. of Redwood City, California, is a powdered medication that patients mix with water and drink. Veltassa decreases absorption of potassium by binding to the mineral, allowing it to pass through the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical trials showed that Veltassa was effective in treating hyperkalemic patients with chronic kidney disease who were taking drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.