What is distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA)?
dRTA can be either genetically inherited or acquired. The inherited form of dRTA, also known as primary dRTA, is most common among infants and children, while the acquired form is more common in adults. Acquired dRTA can be due to autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, or to certain medications.
An estimated 30,000 patients in Europe and 20,000 patients in the United States suffer from dRTA, which was first described in the 1930s.
What are the signs and symptoms of dRTA?
Mineral imbalances caused by dRTA can lead to kidney stones and hypokalemia, or decreased levels of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia causes severe muscle weakness, shortness of breath and abnormal heart rhythm.
dRTA can cause digestive disorders, such as anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, and can also lead to hearing loss.
How is dRTA treated?
Currently, the main treatment for dRTA involves alkali agents, which are used to neutralize excess acid in the blood. Pediatric patients are generally treated with higher doses because their bicarbonate needs are greater than adults. Potassium supplementation is required for patients with hypokalemia.
These products usually require repeated dosing per day and have a poor tolerance profile and palatability. Because maintaining overnight treatment is of particular importance, compliance is low in pediatric patients, due to their increased sleep needs.
As a result, patients may experience poor control of homeostasis over 24 hours, which is vital to preventing long-term complications. Side effects of these treatments can also include abdominal pain.
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Since its founding in 2007, Advicenne has been dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative treatments that address unmet medical needs in the area of nephrology. Our lead drug candidate, ADV7103, is in late-stage clinical trials for two indications: distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) and cystinuria. Listed on both the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels stock exchanges, the company is headquartered in Nîmes, France.
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