upacicalcet

Upacicalcet is a novel, intravenous small molecule *calcimimetic agent* and *agonist of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)*, indicated for the treatment of **secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT)** in adults undergoing hemodialysis. It was first approved in Japan in June 2021. Upacicalcet binds to CaSR on parathyroid gland cell membranes, suppressing excess secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which in turn reduces bone turnover, normalizes serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and may decrease the risk of bone fracture and soft-tissue calcification. Unlike oral calcimimetics, it is administered intravenously through the dialysis circuit at the end of hemodialysis sessions, which may ease the pill burden in this patient population. Upacicalcet was developed by Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals (now EA Pharma) and later by Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho; Pathalys Pharma is developing PLS240 (upacicalcet) outside Japan[1][2][4][5][7].

Brand names

UPASITA

Other names

upacicalcet sodium hydrate