The effect of ziltivekimab on hemoglobin levels in individuals with CKD stage 3-5

A recent study has shown that the use of ziltivekimab as an anti-inflammatory treatment led to improvements in anemia markers and iron regulation in individuals with stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and systemic inflammation, indicating a potential role in managing anemia. The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology published the study's findings.

This study analyzed exploratory end points from the RESCUE trial, involving 264 adults with CKD stage 3-5 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L. The subjects were administered with either a placebo or subcutaneous ziltivekimab (7.5 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg) in a 1:1:1:1 ratio at four-week intervals for a duration of up to twenty-four weeks. The end points included the biomarkers of iron homeostasis and changes in hemoglobin (Hb) from baseline to twelfth week.

The levels of hemoglobin significantly increased from the starting point to week 12 when administered with ziltivekimab at 7.5 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg doses. The differences in treatment compared to the placebo were +0.57 g/dl [95% CI, 0.27 to 0.86], +1.05 g/dl [0.76 to 1.33], and +0.99 g/dl [0.70 to 1.28], respectively, all with a P value < 0.001. Ziltivekimab also resulted in significant elevations in total iron-binding capacity, serum iron levels, and transferrin saturation from the baseline to week 12 (P value < 0.05 vs. placebo for all doses and comparisons). Instances of sustained neutropenia, sustained thrombocytopenia, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia were uncommon and similar across all cohorts.

The above study showed that treatment with ziltivekimab, an anti-inflammatory therapy, led to improvements in anemia markers and iron homeostasis in patients with stage 3-5 CKD and systemic inflammation. This indicates a possible role in the treatment of anemia.