Randomized, Controlled Trial of TRC101 to Increase Serum Bicarbonate in Patients with CKD

Background and objectives Metabolic acidosis is common in patients with CKD and has significant adverse effects on kidney, muscle, and bone. We tested the efficacy and safety of TRC101, a novel, sodium-free, nonabsorbed hydrochloric acid binder, to increase serum bicarbonate in patients with CKD and metabolic acidosis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements One hundred thirty-five patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, in-unit study (designated the TRCA-101 Study). Patients had a mean baseline eGFR of 35 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , a mean baseline serum bicarbonate of 17.7 mEq/L, and comorbidities, including hypertension (93%), diabetes (70%), and heart failure (21%). Patients ate a controlled diet and were treated for 14 days with placebo or one of four TRC101 dosing regimens (1.5, 3, or 4.5 g twice daily or 6 g once daily). After treatment, patients were discharged and followed for 7–14 days. Results All TRC101 treatment groups had a mean within-group increase in serum bicarbonate of ≥1.3 mEq/L ( P P Conclusions TRC101 safely and significantly increased the level of serum bicarbonate in patients with metabolic acidosis and CKD.