What is Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) from Amgen?
Parsabiv is a prescription medicine made by Amgen. It contains etelcalcetide, an injectable drug designed to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. It works by activating the calcium-sensing receptor, which helps lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
What conditions is Parsabiv used for?
Parsabiv is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. It is used to help control elevated PTH levels associated with kidney failure.
How does Parsabiv work?
Etelcalcetide acts on the calcium-sensing receptor in the parathyroid glands. By mimicking the effects of calcium at that receptor, it reduces PTH secretion, which lowers PTH levels in dialysis patients.
How is Parsabiv given?
Parsabiv is given as an injection in a dialysis setting (route and administration details are tied to prescribing information for dialysis use). Dosing is adjusted based on PTH response and calcium levels.
What side effects do patients typically ask about?
Because Parsabiv lowers PTH, it can also lower blood calcium. Patients and clinicians commonly focus on hypocalcemia risk and related symptoms, along with other treatment-related effects listed in the prescribing information.
Is Parsabiv protected by patents, and when do they expire?
Patent and market-exclusivity details change over time by jurisdiction and product life cycle. For the most up-to-date information on Parsabiv’s patent landscape and related filings, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks relevant patents and status:
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
Are there competitors or similar drugs to Parsabiv?
Agents used for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients include other PTH-lowering therapies such as calcimimetics. Competitive positioning usually centers on dosing schedule, calcium control, and patient/treatment setting fit, but exact comparisons depend on the specific product and available clinical guidance.
What to check next if you’re looking at Amgen vs alternatives
If you’re trying to decide between Parsabiv and a different option, the key practical items to look up are:
- the exact indication (dialysis population),
- dosing and how it’s administered during dialysis,
- monitoring requirements (especially calcium and PTH),
- safety profile (especially hypocalcemia),
- payer coverage and any biosimilar/generic availability (if relevant).
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com – Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) patent research