Anemia is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which mainly 
results from appropriate erythropoietin production impairment. Prolyl 
hydroxylase domain (PHD) inhibitors are currently being developed and approved 
in some countries as a new treatment for CKD patients with anemia due to the 
stabilization of intracellular hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and HIF2α by 
PHD inhibition. Daprodustat is one of the orally administrated small-molecule 
HIF-PH inhibitors, leading to an increase in erythropoietin production, which is 
regulated by HIF. Also, daprodustat is expected to improve iron metabolism. 
Recently, several clinical trials showed its efficacy and safety in both 
hemodialysis- and non-hemodialysis- dependent CKD patients. In addition, some 
international Phase 3 studies are underway to confirm these effects and reveal 
the safety profile. This article summarizes the development process and results 
of each clinical trial.