Bailey CK, et al. - Researchers evaluated daprodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, with respect to initial dose-hemoglobin response and effectiveness and safety when administered three times weekly (TIW) in hemodialysis patients switched from stable recombinant human erythropoietin, as per a TIW hemodialysis schedule, in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Using randomization 1:1:1:1:1, they assigned the participants (n = 103; with baseline hemoglobin of 9.0 to 11.5 g/dL) to receive daprodustat 10, 15, 25, or 30 mg or placebo TIW over 29 days. From baseline to day 29, dose-dependent alterations in mean hemoglobin were induced by daprodustat. Adopting a Bayesian approach, the dose conversion ratio between once-daily and TIW daprodustat was estimated to be ~ 2.0 across the assessed dose range using an Emax model. General good tolerability of daprodustat was revealed; adverse event profile displayed by it was consistent with the hemodialysis population. With the help of these data, a suitable dose conversion ratio to be applied to daily doses to achieve equivalent daprodustat TIW doses may be informed. The ability of TIW treatment with daprodustat in safely treating anemia of chronic kidney disease was suggested.