Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at risk of developing metabolic acidosis. The condition occurs when impaired kidneys are unable to remove excess acid from the blood, causing the acid to build up. Acids and bases need to be balanced in order for the body to function properly. If left untreated, high acid and low bicarbonate in the blood increases the risk of CKD progression, bone loss, and muscle loss.

More women than men experience metabolic acidosis, which experts say could be attributable to a general lower muscle mass and a post-menopausal status. Fortunately, a new medication called veverimer is being developed to help treat metabolic acidosis. Learn what researchers have found about veverimer’s effectiveness in treating women with this condition.* 

What they did

For the randomized study, the researchers followed 77 female participants, average age 65.4 years old. All women had both CKD and metabolic acidosis, and for one year had been given either the veverimer (46 women) or a placebo (31 women). 

On average, the participants:

• Had a baseline eGFR of 28.4 (representing the percentage of remaining kidney function)
• Had a baseline serum (blood) bicarbonate level of 17.3 (normal is between 21 and 28), indicating metabolic acidosis 
• 9.1% were on another medication to treat metabolic acidosis

All women had their blood work monitored, and also participated in various tests to measure physical function.

What they found

From week one through week 52, patients taking veverimer had improved serum bicarbonate levels. In addition, patients taking veverimer had greater improvements compared to those taking the placebo. 

Physical function also improved from baseline to week 52 in participants taking veverimer, particularly in such activities as walking, bending/stopping, and climbing stairs, with test scores rising from 48.4 at baseline to 61.5 at week 52. Participants taking the placebo showed a decline in physical function, with test scores falling from 58.2 to 53.1. 

What it means

The study findings strongly suggest that veverimer can help treat metabolic acidosis in women with CKD, and improve the physical performance of daily activities. 

For anyone facing metabolic acidosis, diet changes and medication are both treatment options. It is important to speak with your doctor and nutritionist about what specific changes to make to your diet, and to determine if veverimer or another medication is warranted.

*Socha, V. (2022, June 16). Treating Women with CKD and Metabolic Acidosis. Nephrology Times. https://www.docwirenews.com/nephtimes/nephtimes-diseases-and-conditions/ckd/treating-women-with-ckd-and-metabolic-acidosis/