Molidustat also was known as BAY 85-3934 is a novel inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PH) which stimulates erythropoietin (EPO) production and the formation of red blood cells. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is the major transcription factor involved in erythropoietin gene expression. Because oxygen-dependent degradation of the α subunit of HIF suppresses erythropoietin expression, stimulation of erythropoiesis by agents that prevent degradation of HIF has been one strategy for managing anemia. Thus, molidustat is in phase II of a clinical trial to investigate the effects therapy in patients with renal anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and/or end-stage renal disease.