US regulators spike AZ’s new drug

U.S. regulators will not approve Astra Zeneca’s new drug treatment for high potassium levels due to a manufacturing issue. This is seen as a massive blow to the product – ZS-9, or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate – acquired when AZ bought ZS Pharma £1.8 billion last year.

The drug’s launch will likely be delayed until 2017.

A spokesman said the company hoped to resolve the matter in a “timely” manner.

Buying ZS Pharma was one of several acquisitions by AZ designed to help build up its pipeline of new drugs.

ZS-9 treats hyperkalaemia, or high potassium levels, which is typically associated with chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure.