AstraZeneca Halts Two Phase III Trials of Lokelma for Hyperkalemia Due to Recruitment and Event Rate Challenges

Intelligent Finance APP learned that AstraZeneca (AZN.US) said on Friday that it would halt two late-stage trials studying the potential benefits of its drug Lokelma in treating cardiorenal hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia (HK) is a chronic disease characterized by high potassium levels in the blood.

This therapy provides rapid potassium reduction and sustained potassium control, and has been approved by 56 countries worldwide for the treatment of a broader population of patients with HK.

AstraZenecaThe two Phase III trials, STABILIZE-CKD and DIALIZE-Outcomes, were canceled due to significantly increased recruitment time and a lower event rate, respectively.

AstraZeneca said in a statement, "The decision to halt the trial was not due to safety concerns, and the positive benefit-risk profile of Lokelma in its approved indications remains unchanged."