Keryx Gets Back on the Map

Investors have been waiting for some time on the Phase III study results of its phosphate binder Zerenex when used with positive top-line data in kidney dialysis patients. Keryx has had a serious regulatory risk and commercialization risk based on this having been a long process. Keryx has yet to generate any significant revenues to date. The company believes that Zerenex has the potential to become the market leader in the phosphate binder space, which was said to be a $2.4 billion market opportunity. Zerenex met a highly statistical significant change in serum phosphorus versus the placebo among end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis. The treatment is for hyperphosphatemia as a condition in patients with chronic kidney disease who need help flushing dangerously high levels of phosphorus.

Keryx also showed that a secondary endpoint data showed a reduced need for iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. With shares ar $6.70, the prior 52-week range was $1.28 to $5.19. What is more impressive than anything is that today’s move is well above the $5.03 open and $3.43 close from the prior day, and it is on some 45 million shares versus an average daily volume of only 1.4 million shares.