Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

John Butler: Yes. So, the way we think about tenapanor, honestly, as persons working in this space for 30 years as a patient advocate, it’s exciting to see a product — a new technology come in. What we know, Auryxia is a great product, [Indiscernible] is a great product. They don’t manage patient’s phosphorus levels to normal. And we know that there’s a direct relationship between phosphorus and mortality in dialysis patients. And so managing patients more aggressively, if you will, to a lower phosphorus level is a benefit to patients. And with tenapanor, I think they can do that. And that’s clearly where the label is written. It is an add-on therapy. So, I didn’t mention that as one of the things that can help drive Auryxia sales.

There will be more interest in phosphorus management with physicians because they have — and the Ardelyx folks will be out there talking about tenapanor as well. And the idea that patients who have an average phosphorus of six can get to five or four and a half would be a fantastic thing for patient outcomes. And at the end of the day, more focus on phosphate binders, or phosphate control only helps Auryxia.

Operator: Thank you. I’m seeing no further questions in the queue. I would now like to turn the conference back to John Butler for closing remarks.

John Butler: Thanks Chris and thanks, everyone, for your questions. We’re now nearly through 2023, I just want to reiterate how well-positioned we believe Akebia is to close the year. Our team is committed to our strategic objectives. We’re eager to bring vadadustat to patients in the US, if approved. And we work to ensure vadadustat is available globally through our commercial partnerships. We’ll advance our pipeline and grow our revenue in the years ahead. We believe our efforts will help create sustained value for our shareholders while continue towards our purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. Thanks everyone for joining us today. I look forward to updating you in the future.

Operator: This concludes today’s conference call. Thank you all for participating. You may now disconnect and have a pleasant day.