NCT03813407 · AstraZeneca
An Open-label Study to Assess Safety and Efficacy of SZC in Paediatric Patients With Hyperkalaemia
(PEDZ-K)
What this study is about
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate has been shown to be effective and safe in adults for the treatment of hyperkalaemia, and therefore it is expected to be beneficial in children. This study will evaluate the effectiveness, safety and how well patients handle the treatment of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for the treatment of hyperkalaemia in children \<18 years of age.
View original scientific description
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate has been shown to be effective and safe in adults for the treatment of hyperkalaemia, and therefore it is expected to be beneficial in children. This study will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for the treatment of hyperkalaemia in children \<18 years of age. Approximately 140 participants will enter CP at approximately 46 sites in locations including but not limited to Europe and North America for this study.
Interventions
DRUG
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Reduced Dose Level
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Dose: Paediatric dose based on body weight equivalent to an adult 2.5 g
DRUG
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Dose Level 1 (DL1)
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC)Paediatric dose based on body weight equivalent to an adult 5 g
DRUG
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Dose Level 2 (DL2)
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Paediatric dose based on body weight equivalent to an adult 10 g
DRUG
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Dose Level 3 (DL3)
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Paediatric dose based on body weight equivalent to an adult 15 g
DRUG
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) Dose During 28 Day Maintenance Phase
A 28-day period during which SZC is administered orally once daily (QD) to maintain normokalaemia. A dose titration regimen starting with QD administration of the dose of SZC the participants received TID in the CP will be studied in the MP and continued in the LTMP. The maximum dose that can be used is the calculated body weight equivalent to the 15 g adult dose
Primary outcome measures
Correction phase (CP) primary objective: To evaluate the ability to achieve normokalaemia during the CP when initiating treatment with SZC of different dose levels in children with hyperkalaemia
Time frame: 3 days
Normokalaemia achieved in the CP within 3 days (yes/no)
28-day Maintenance Phase (MP) primary objective: To evaluate the ability to maintain normokalaemia during the MP when continuing SZC treatment in children achieving normokalaemia
Time frame: last two scheduled visits in the MP
28-day MP primary endpoint: Serum potassium (S-K+) value within normokalaemia range (yes/no) at each of the last two scheduled visits in the MP
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Provision of written informed consent of the participant or legal representative, and informed assent from the participant (as appropriate)
- Female or male from birth to \< 18 years of age (for the study duration).
- Participants (including those receiving a stable peritoneal dialysis regimen for a minimum of 2 months) requiring long-term treatment of hyperkalaemia (chronic hyperkalaemia) in the age cohort ≥ 2 years, and participants requiring either short- or long-term treatment for hyperkalaemia (acute and chronic hyperkalaemia) in the age cohort \< 2 years.
- Participants must meet the following criteria for hyperkalaemia: Please refer to the Table 6 in the protocol.
- Using digital ECG, QT interval corrected by Bazett's method (QTcB) must meet the age-appropriate parameters at Screening: a. For participants aged 0 to ≤ 3 days after birth: \< 450 ms b. For participants aged \>3 days to \< 12 years: \< 440 ms c. For participants aged ≥ 12 to \< 18 years: \< 450 ms (male), \< 460 ms (female) All QTcB values outside the reference values specified in the protocol should be manually re-measured and re-calculated, and if there is a difference in measurement between the automatic and manual ECG, the manual measurement should always be considered correct.
- Ability to have repeated blood draws or effective venous catheterisation.
- Females of childbearing potential (defined as a female with potential of becoming pregnant who has experienced her menarche) must have a negative pregnancy test within one day prior to the first dose of SZC on CP Study Day 1 and sexually active females of childbearing potential must be using 2 forms of medically acceptable contraception with at least one being a barrier method
- Optional open-label, LTMP only:
- Provision of written informed consent of the participant or legal representative, and informed assent from the participant (as appropriate) to take part in the LTMP.
- Participants who are normokalaemic at the end of MP or hyperkalaemic and not on maximum dose.
- Participants who would benefit from long-term treatment for their hyperkalaemia, as judged by the Investigator.
Exclusion criteria
- Neonates with a gestational age \< 37 weeks at birth or a birth weight \< 2500 g.
- Term and preterm neonates with suspected conditions predisposing them to intestinal ischaemia (eg, perinatal hypoxia or sepsis).
- Participants with pseudohyperkalaemia caused by excessive fist clenching to enable venepuncture, by haemolysed blood specimens, or by severe leukocytosis or thrombocytosis.
- Participants with hyperkalaemia due to soft-tissue damage from crush injury or burns. 5. Participants with hyperkalaemia due to a secondary cause, such as dehydration, excessive use of K+ supplements, or drug use (eg, beta-adrenergic antagonists) and that would be more appropriately treated with other interventions (eg, fluid resuscitation, dose adjustments of medications). 6\. Participants with transient iatrogenic hyperkalaemia (eg, due to treatment with tacrolimus). 7\. Participants treated with lactulose, rifaximin (XIFAXAN™), or other nonabsorbed antibiotics for hyperammonaemia within the last 7 days. 8\. Participants treated with CPS, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (eg, KAYEXALATE™), or patiromer within the last 4 days prior to first dose of study treatment. 9\. Participants with a life expectancy of less than 3 months. 10. Participants who are known to have tested Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive. 11\. Presence of any condition which, in the opinion of the Investigator, places the participant at undue risk or potentially jeopardises the quality of the data to be generated. 12. Known hypersensitivity or previous anaphylaxis to SZC or to components thereof. 13\. Participants with cardiac arrhythmias that require immediate treatment. 14. Participants with a family history of long QT syndrome. 15. Participants on haemodialysis. 16. Participants with a history of bowel obstruction. 17. Participants with severe gastrointestinal disorder or major gastrointestinal surgery (eg, large bowel resection). 18\. Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study (applies to both AstraZeneca staff and/or staff at the study site). 19\. Previous treatment with SZC. 20. Treatment with a drug or device within the last 30 days prior to first dose of study treatment that has not received regulatory approval at the time of study entry. 21\. Previous enrolment in the present study. 22. Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. 23. Judgement by the Investigator that the participant should not participate in the study if the participant is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions, and requirements. 24. If the participant has evidence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within 2 weeks prior to enrolment (a positive COVID-19 test or suspicion of COVID-19 infection) the participant cannot be enrolled in the study.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- St Louis, Missouri
- Hackensack, New Jersey
- New York, New York
- Stony Brook, New York
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Akron, Ohio
- Cincinnati, Ohio
And 2 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations