Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Desidustat Oral Tablet

Desidustat inhibits prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein (PHD) enzymes to stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and increase endogenous erythropoietin production.

Desidustat inhibits prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein (PHD) enzymes to stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and increase endogenous erythropoietin production. Used for Anemia in chronic kidney disease patients not on dialysis, Anemia in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

By inhibiting PHD enzymes, desidustat prevents the degradation of HIF-α under normoxic conditions, leading to increased HIF stability and transcriptional activity. This results in upregulation of erythropoietin (EPO) and other HIF-target genes, promoting red blood cell production. This mechanism addresses anemia without requiring exogenous erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Approved indications

• Anemia in chronic kidney disease patients not on dialysis
• Anemia in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients

Common side effects

• Hypertension
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hyperuricemia

Key clinical trials

• A Post Marketing Surveillance to Evaluate the Safety of Desidustat for the Treatment of Anemia in Subjects With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).(Real World Evidence Study) (PHASE4)
• Desidustat in the Treatment of Anemia in CKD on Dialysis Patients (PHASE3)
• Desidustat in the Treatment of Anemia in CKD (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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