Do we need new phosphate binders in dialysis?

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greater risk of mortality than the general population. Fatalcardiovascular events are the most frequent cause of death in CKD patients, especially in the late stages of disease.Derangement of mineral metabolism and hyperphosphataemia are currently accepted as pivotal triggers of these vascularcomplications. Phosphate binders represent the common strategy to counteract hyperphosphataemia in dialysis patients.Several studies have reported a reduction in mortality risk in dialysis patients receiving phosphate binders compared withuntreated patients, independent of the class of binder prescribed.