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Akebia Therapeutics Announces Positive Opinion of European Medicines Agency for XOANACYL , an Oral Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease Licensed to Averoa

Key Takeaway: Akebia Therapeutics has announced a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use regarding XOANACYL, an oral therapy for chronic kidney disease. The recommendation advises the European Commission to approve the drug, which addresses elevated serum phosphorous and iron deficiency in CKD patients. Akebia has licensed the rights to develop and commercialize the drug to Averoa, which will further the treatment's availability in Europe. A final decision from the European Commission is expected in about two months.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Positive opinion from EMA for XOANACYL represents significant progress.
  • Collaboration with Averoa strengthens Akebia's market position in Europe.
  • Potential treatment for complications related to chronic kidney disease may benefit many patients.

Full Press Release Details

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akebia Therapeutics®, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending the European Commission (EC) to approve XOANACYL® (Ferric Citrate as Coordination Complex) for the treatment of concomitant elevated serum phosphorous and iron deficiency in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Averoa, a renal-focused biopharmaceutical company, licensed the rights to develop and commercialize ferric citrate from Akebia in the European Economic Area and certain countries in Europe and the Middle East. Averoa recently announced the positive opinion from CHMP here: https://averoa-pharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250402-AVA1014-Positive-opinion-EN-VF-2.04.2025.pdf.
“We congratulate our partner Averoa on a positive step toward securing EMA approval for XOANACYL, and we will continue to support their efforts to deliver a treatment for complications of kidney disease to patients in Europe,” said John P. Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia.
The EC will review the CHMP recommendation, and a final decision is expected in approximately two months.
About Akebia Therapeutics
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. Akebia was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com, which does not form a part of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.'s ("Akebia's") strategy, plans, prospects, expectations, beliefs, intentions and goals are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Akebia’s statements regarding Averoa’s ability to secure EMA approval for XOANACYL; Akebia’s plans to support efforts to deliver a treatment for complications of kidney disease to patients in Europe; and Akebia’s expectations on the timing of a final decision from the EC. The terms "intend," "believe," "plan," "goal," "potential," "anticipate, "estimate," "expect," "future," "will," "continue," derivatives of these words, and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results, performance or experience may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, risks associated with: decisions made by health authorities, such as the FDA and the EMA, with respect to regulatory filings and other interactions; the results of preclinical and clinical research; manufacturing, supply chain and quality matters and any recalls, write-downs, impairments or other related consequences or potential consequences; and early termination of any of Akebia's collaborations. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Akebia's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other filings that Akebia may make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. These forward-looking statements (except as otherwise noted) speak only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Akebia does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Akebia Therapeutics® is a registered trademark of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.
Akebia Therapeutics Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is XOANACYL approved for?

XOANACYL is recommended for treating elevated serum phosphorous and iron deficiency in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Who licensed ferric citrate from Akebia?

Averoa licensed the rights to develop and commercialize ferric citrate in Europe.

When will the EC make a decision on XOANACYL?

The European Commission's final decision on XOANACYL is expected in about two months.

What is the role of Akebia Therapeutics?

Akebia Therapeutics aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease.

Where is Akebia Therapeutics located?

Akebia Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Last updated: Apr 3, 2025