Novel agent appears safe, effective for hyperkalemia

"ZS-9 was designed and engineered to be highly selective for potassium," he said, noting that ZS-9 has more than nine times the potassium-binding ability of SPS, and is not systemically absorbed; thus, the risk of systemic toxicity is minimized or eliminated.

The findings thus far suggest that ZS-9 is a safe, reliable, fast, effective and well-tolerated therapy for lowering serum K+ levels in patients with hyperkalemia, Dr. Ash concluded.

Dr. Ash disclosed ties with Merit Medical, HemoCleanse (which has a minority share interest in ZS Pharma), Fresenius Medical, Ash Access Technology (in which he has ownership interest), Renal Solutions, and DaVita RMS. He also is editor-in-chief of Seminars in Dialysis, ASKIN section.