Relypsa forms partnership for hyperkalaemia treatment

Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (VFMCRP) and Relypsa, have announced a partnership to commercialise Relypsa's investigational medicine for the treatment of hyperkalaemia

Patiromer for Oral Suspension (Patiromer FOS), is an oral potassium binder being developed for the treatment of hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition defined as abnormally elevated levels of potassium in the blood.

Under the terms of the agreement VFMCRP will obtain an exclusive marketing right from Relypsa in worldwide territories except the United States and Japan, where Relypsa retains all commercial rights.

Relypsa will receive an upfront cash payment of $40 million and will be eligible to receive payments of up to $125 million upon achieving certain regulatory and sales based milestones.

John Orwin, president and chief executive officer of Relypsa, said: "We are excited to partner with Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma.

"We are confident they will be an excellent partner to commercialise and develop Patiromer FOS outside the United States and look forward to working with them to bring this medicine to patients around the world."