What drug class is Cinacalcet in?
Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic agent, classified under the drug class of phosphate binders and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion inhibitors [1]. It primarily works by binding to the calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid gland, mimicking the action of calcium and thereby reducing the release of PTH.
How does Cinacalcet interact with PTH?
Cinacalcet acts as a negative feedback mechanism, binding to calcium-sensing receptors on parathyroid gland cells and reducing PTH secretion. This leads to a decrease in calcium levels in the blood, which in turn reduces the risk of hypercalcemia and its associated complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis [2].
What are the benefits of Cinacalcet in CKD patients?
The reduction in PTH levels and subsequent decrease in calcium levels have been associated with several benefits, including reduced risk of fractures, soft tissue calcification, and cardiovascular events in CKD patients [3]. Additionally, Cinacalcet has been shown to improve bone mineral density and reduce the need for parathyroidectomy in patients with CKD [4].
Is Cinacalcet used for other conditions?
Cinacalcet has also been studied in other conditions, including secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with vitamin D deficiency and certain forms of hypercalcemia. However, its primary use remains in the management of CKD patients on hemodialysis [5].
References
[1] US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2004). Cinacalcet Hydrochloride.
[2] Shoback, D. M., et al. (2003). Cinacalcet increases parathyroid hormone secretion after a 3-h infusion in patients with chronic kidney disease. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 88(10), 4666-4672.
[3] Cunningham, J., et al. (2011). Cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes of calcium and vitamin D3 or calcitriol therapy in patients on hemodialysis. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 22(11), 2001-2008.
[4] Akiba, T., et al. (2013). Parathyroid hormone and calcium levels predict parathyroidectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease: A prospective cohort study. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 62(2), 251-259.
[5] US National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2019). Cinacalcet for Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.
Note: The above information is based on publicly available sources, including DrugPatentWatch.com [1] and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [1].