Akebia Therapeutics (AKBA) and US Renal Care said Tuesday that the VOICE trial, evaluating Vafseo for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients with end-stage kidney disease, was stopped after an interim analysis showed a decline in hospitalizations.

The parties said that the trial was halted after a recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee and Trial Steering Committee based on the prespecified criteria.

The decision was supported by findings of significantly improved safety outcomes in patients who were on a three-times-weekly Vafseo dosing regimen, compared with those who were given a standard-of-care erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, they said.

Akebia and US Renal Care are expected to present data from the analysis at an upcoming scientific meeting, they added.

Akebia shares were up 6.3% in Tuesday's premarket activity.