Keryx commences phase-3 trial for Zerenex

NEW YORK Keryx has begun its phase-3 clinicial trial of a drug designed to treat elevated serum phosphorous levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis.

The drug maker said that the Zerenex trial will include two clinical studies, examining approximately 300 ESRD patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis over a 52-week safety assessment period for a long-term efficacy study -- as well as 150 ESRD patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis over a 52-week safety assessment period for a short-term efficacy study -- to determine whether the investigational drug will treat elevated serum phosphorous levels, also known as hyperphosphatemia.

Patient enrollment is expected to take approximately six to nine months.