Abstract: Hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)is known to transcribe over 1000 target genes involved in a wide range of pathophysiological processes,including erythropoietin(EPO)production,iron absorption and metabolism,cell differentiation,energy metabolism,inflammation and immune regulation. Hypoxia inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor(HIF-PHI)stabilizes HIF through suppressing prolyl hydroxylase(PHD)and participates in extensive biological processes. Belonging to one class of HIF-PHI,roxadustat has been approved as a new orally active drug for renal anemia. Also it is indicated for renal protection,cardiovascular disease and myelodysplastic syndrome. This review summarized the clinical application prospects of roxadustat.