Cinacalcet hydrochloride is an effective treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with CKD not receiving dialysis

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops early in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation-Kidney/Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative emphasize the need to control parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus levels in patients with CKD not receiving dialysis to reduce poor outcomes. This phase 2 study evaluated the effects of the oral calcimimetic cinacalcet hydrochloride in patients with CKD not on dialysis therapy. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 18-week study enrolled adults with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 50 mL/min/1.73 m² (0.25 to 0.83 mL/s/1.73 m²) and an intact PTH (iPTH) level greater than 130 pg/mL (ng/L). Cinacalcet (or placebo) was titrated from 30 to 180 mg once daily to obtain a 30% or greater reduction in iPTH levels from baseline. Results: Baseline mean iPTH levels were 243 pg/mL (ng/L) in the cinacalcet group (n = 27) and 236 pg/mL (ng/L) in the control group (n = 27). At baseline, 28% of subjects were being administered vitamin D sterols and 43% were being administered phosphate binders or calcium supplements. The addition of cinacalcet significantly decreased iPTH concentrations compared with controls during the efficacy-assessment phase: 56% versus 19% of subjects achieved a 30% or greater reduction in iPTH levels (P = 0.006), and mean iPTH levels decreased by 32% in the cinacalcet group, but increased by 6% in the control group (P <0.001). Mean serum calcium and phosphorus levels remained within normal range throughout the study. Cinacalcet generally was well tolerated; the most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal. Conclusion: This preliminary study provides evidence that cinacalcet is efficacious for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in subjects with CKD not receiving dialysis.