Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus level) is common among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.  Dietary restriction and removal by dialysis are usually ineffective in controlling phosphorus levels, so ESRD patients are often prescribed phosphate binders.  Current phosphate binders are effective but can have adverse effects, are expensive, and require patients to take many pills.  For these reasons, noncompliance with phosphate binder therapy is a problem among ESRD patients.  
 
Efforts are under way to develop new phosphate binders.  These include exchange resins, iron-based binders, magnesium binders, and nicotinic acid derivatives.  These new treatments are being evaluated and when approved, they will give patients a wider range of phosphate binders to chose from. 

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.