Renvela: new phosphate binder formulation

1 October 2010

Renvela is available in the same 800mg tablet presentation as Renagel, as well as 2.4g sachets of powder for oral suspension.

Genzyme has launched Renvela, a new version of the phosphate binder sevelamer.

Sevelamer is a crosslinked polymer that binds phosphate molecules in the intestine.

Renvela contains the carbonate salt of the drug, whereas the existing formulation Renagel contains sevelamer hydrochloride.

Both are licensed for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia in patients on dialysis. Renvela is also licensed for use in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

Two randomised controlled trials in the haemodialysis setting (one in 79 patients, the other in 31 patients) demonstrated the equivalence of sevelamer carbonate tablets and powder, respectively, to sevelamer hydrochloride tablets for serum phosphate control.

View Renvela drug record

Further information: Genzyme