Kyntra Bio (NASDAQ: KYNB) announced data from its Phase 3 MATTERHORN trial showing roxadustat improved transfusion independence in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and high transfusion burden. The data was presented at the European Hematology Association Congress in Stockholm.

In a post-hoc analysis of patients with high transfusion burden, defined as requiring at least 4 units of red blood cells per 8-week period for two consecutive periods, roxadustat demonstrated higher rates of transfusion independence compared to placebo across 8, 12, and 16-week periods. The analysis included 37 patients who met the high transfusion burden criteria from the 140 total trial participants.

The data showed similar transfusion independence rates for roxadustat in both ring sideroblast positive and ring sideroblast negative disease. In ring sideroblast negative patients, comprising 84 of 140 enrolled patients, 48% achieved transfusion independence for at least 8 weeks over 28 weeks compared to 28% with placebo.

The original MATTERHORN trial analysis showed 48% of patients receiving roxadustat achieved transfusion independence versus 33% with placebo. Roxadustat is an oral HIF-PH inhibitor that promotes red blood cell production through increased endogenous erythropoietin production and improved iron absorption.

The company stated it is finalizing a pivotal Phase 3 trial protocol based on FDA feedback, with initiation expected in the second half of 2026. Roxadustat is currently approved in Europe, Japan, and other countries for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients.

The information is based on a company press release.