Clinical evidence

Evidence across the CKD anaemia journey

The OXEMIA® clinical evidence programme spans randomised Phase III studies in non-dialysis and dialysis settings, systematic-review and guideline context, and real-world evidence.

This site is intended for healthcare professionals.

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Kidney viewed through a magnifying glass representing clinical evidence
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Evidence map

Explore studies and resources by evidence type or clinical setting.

Phase III trial

DREAM-ND (India)

Desidustat vs darbepoetin alfa in non-dialysis CKD anaemia.

n=58824 weeks2021
Open study
Phase III trial

DREAM-D (India)

Desidustat vs epoetin alfa in dialysis-dependent CKD.

n=39224 weeks2021
Open study
CN
Phase III trial

China Phase III

Desidustat vs placebo in non-dialysis CKD anaemia.

n=15212 weeks2021
Real-world evidence

Gulati et al. (2026)

Retrospective routine-practice evidence across NDD and DD settings.

6 centres6 months
Open summary
12
Systematic review

NDD-CKD review

Twelve RCTs and 8,611 participants.

2025Low / very low certainty
Open review
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Pivotal programme overview

StudyPopulationDesign and comparatorSampleDurationPrimary question
DREAM-NDStage 3–5 non-dialysis CKDRandomised, open-label; darbepoetin alfan=58824 weeksNon-inferiority for Hb change
DREAM-DDialysis-dependent CKDRandomised, open-label; epoetin alfan=39224 weeksNon-inferiority for Hb change
China Phase IIINon-dialysis CKD adultsRandomised, double-blind; placebon=15212 weeksHb correction, response and target attainment
i

Trial populations, protocols and endpoints differ. Results are not directly comparable or pooled.

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Key evidence and resources

ND
Phase III · non-dialysis

DREAM-ND

Open-label, active-controlled non-inferiority trial.

  • Hb change: 1.95 vs 1.83 g/dL
  • Responders: 77.78% vs 68.48%
Open study
Phase III · dialysis

DREAM-D

Open-label, active-controlled non-inferiority trial.

  • Hb change: 0.95 vs 0.80 g/dL
  • Responders: 59.22% vs 48.37%
Open study
CN
Phase III · non-dialysis

China Phase III

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

  • Hb difference: 17.52 g/L
  • Response: 85.15% vs 23.53%
Complete study information

Reusable study modules

Each study page reveals methods, endpoints, safety, limitations and publication links.

Explore context
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Evidence context

12
Systematic review

NDD-CKD review

8,611Participants across 12 RCTs

Evidence was generally low or very low certainty for key outcomes.

Review synthesis
Guideline context

South Asia HIF-PHI Guideline

Molecule-specific consensus with patient preference, iron repletion, feasibility and evidence-gap considerations.

Read guideline
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Interpretation

What this means

Evidence supports desidustat as a treatment option, while uncertainty remains and clinical judgement is essential.

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Evidence gaps

Long-term cardiovascular outcomes

MACE

MACE and MACE-plus data

QoL

Fatigue and quality-of-life outcomes

Tx

Transfusion and progression-to-ESKD outcomes

IV

Longer-term Phase IV and cost-effectiveness research

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