UK-Made Hyperkalemia Treatment Now Available at Long Châu Pharmacies in Vietnam

Long Châu, a leading pharmacy chain in Vietnam, has introduced a new hyperkalemia treatment, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), developed in the UK. This new medication is designed to help manage potassium levels for patients suffering from heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and those at risk of hyperkalemia. The introduction of SZC is part of Long Châu's strategy to bring rare and new-generation medicines from around the world closer to Vietnamese patients. This move is expected to position Vietnam as one of the markets that gains early access to such advanced therapeutic options. According to Bach Mai Hospital's website, hyperkalemia is a condition where blood potassium levels exceed 5 mmol/l, commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. Normal levels range from 3.5 to 4.5 mmol/l. If not detected and treated promptly, hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. Data from the U.S. National Library of Medicine indicates that 3.1% of end-stage renal disease patients die due to hyperkalemia, and 56% of patients with chronic kidney disease experience recurrence within six months. The "Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperkalemia" from the Vietnamese Society of Critical Care and Toxicology highlights that hyperkalemia impacts the optimization of underlying disease treatment, often forcing patients to reduce doses or discontinue RAAS inhibitors—a crucial class of drugs for improving cardiovascular and renal conditions. Amidst an unmet need for hyperkalemia control, particularly among heart failure and chronic kidney disease patients, Long Châu is now offering the SZC solution, which is in use in developed countries. This provides the community with an additional "key" to sustainably manage their potassium levels. A clinical study by the manufacturer involving 1,760 adult patients demonstrated that SZC can reduce blood potassium levels within one hour, helping 92% of patients achieve normal potassium levels within 48 hours. The treatment's efficacy remained stable for up to a year. Notably, effective hyperkalemia control can support the continuation of RAAS inhibitor therapy, allowing patients to optimize heart-kidney protection without discontinuing foundational medications to meet potassium level stabilization goals. Long Châu plans to introduce over 30 types of rare and new-generation drugs to Vietnam by 2026. A 2022 report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) indicated that out of approximately 460 innovative drugs developed globally between 2012 and 2021, Vietnamese patients had access to only about 9% (42 drugs), significantly lower than in many countries within the region and worldwide. Addressing this disparity, Long Châu has defined its mission as an "extended arm" to bring innovative drugs, treatments for rare diseases, and specialized solutions for complex conditions closer to the people. To date, Long Châu has made 12 types of rare and advanced global medicines available across its pharmacy network, enhancing treatment access for Vietnamese individuals. The company anticipates that this will increase opportunities for patients to receive advanced treatment domestically, reducing the need to seek care abroad, thereby significantly lowering financial burdens and mitigating "foreign currency outflow." More importantly, receiving care in a familiar environment can also improve patients' mental well-being and quality of life. "On this journey, our network of 2,678 pharmacies, spanning 34 provinces and cities, will continue to leverage its role as a healthcare touchpoint that is 'close to the people, alongside the people,' enhancing access to high-quality, equitable, next-generation solutions," emphasized a Long Châu representative. Source: VnExpress