Tenapanor reduces serum phosphate in dialysis patients

Real-world data from 1,477 dialysis patients indicate that tenapanor (Xphozah) effectively reduces serum phosphate levels over a six-month period, regardless of whether patients are also using phosphate binders.

Presented at ASN Kidney Week 2026, the retrospective observational study analyzed electronic health records from dialysis providers across the United States. The findings showed adjusted mean phosphate reductions ranging from 0.80 to 1.55 mg/dL across various binder groups.

Tenapanor, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in October 2023, works by blocking phosphate absorption through the paracellular pathway. This mechanism is considered complementary to traditional phosphate binders. The research highlights the ongoing difficulty patients face in managing hyperphosphatemia and the associated risks of mortality and morbidity.