Efficacy and safety of tenapanor in hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials

Abstract Background The effects of tenapanor in reducing serum phosphorus in hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia are uncertain and no relevant meta‐analysis has been conducted. We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenapanor. Methods All randomized controlled trials of tenapanor were searched up to 1 August 2022. The primary endpoint was the change in serum phosphorus level from baseline with tenapanor and placebo. Data on drug‐related adverse events (AEs), gastrointestinal AEs and diarrhea were collected to determine the safety of tenapanor. Results There were 533 patients throughout five trials that were eligible. Tenapanor significantly lowered blood phosphorus level by 1.79 mg/dl in the mean difference than the placebo. Diarrhea, gastrointestinal AEs, and drug‐related AEs were more severe than placebo. Conclusions This meta‐analysis showed that although drug side effects were common, tenapanor significantly reduced serum phosphorus level in hemodialysis patients.