FGF23, Hypophosphatemia, and Emerging Treatments

Abstract

FGF23 is an important hormonal regulator of phosphate homeostasis. Together with its co‐receptor Klotho, it modulates phosphate reabsorption and both 1α‐hydroxylation and 24‐hydroxylation in the renal proximal tubules. The most common FGF23‐mediated hypophosphatemia is X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), caused by mutations in the PHEX gene. FGF23‐mediated forms of hypophosphatemia are characterized by phosphaturia and low or low‐normal calcitriol concentrations, and unlike nutritional rickets, these cannot be cured with nutritional vitamin D supplementation. Autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of FGF23‐mediated hypophosphatemias show a similar pathophysiology, despite a variety of different underlying genetic causes. An excess of FGF23 activity has also been associated with a number of other conditions causing hypophosphatemia including tumor‐induced osteomalacia, fibrous dysplasia of the bone, and cutaneous skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome. Historically phosphate supplementation and therapy using analogs of highly‐active vitamin D (e.g. calcitriol, alfacalcidol, paracalcitol, eldecalcitol) have been used to manage conditions involving hypophosphatemia, however recently a neutralizing antibody for FGF23 (burosumab) has emerged as a promising treatment agent for FGF23‐mediated disorders. This review discusses the progression of clinical trials for burosumab for the treatment of XLH and its recent availability for clinical use. Burosumab may have potential for treating other conditions associated with FGF23 over‐activity, but these are not yet supported by trial data.