Latest news with #eGFR
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Lower Blood Pressure Targets for Type 2 Diabetes
This transcript has been edited for clarity. Today I am going to discuss a recent paper on intensive blood pressure control in people with type 2 diabetes. This was a big study. It included over 12,000 participants who were older than age 50, and had type 2 diabetes and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease; either they'd had a prior cardiovascular event, had two or more risk factors, or had a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The study was performed in China and it was really done to determine, potentially once and for all, what the target should be in treating patients with type 2 diabetes. The ACCORD trial tried to answer this question, but it didn't show overall improvement in outcomes with blood pressure reduction, although when they did subset analysis, they did show benefit in certain groups. It still didn't have that definitive feel, and I think this study does. They were looking only at systolic blood pressures, and they wanted to target a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg in the intensively treated group; in the standardly treated group, the blood pressure target was a systolic of less than 140 mm Hg. The primary endpoint was nonfatal stroke, nonfatal MI, treatment or hospitalization for heart failure, or death from cardiovascular disease causes. In this study, 45% were women. The average age was 63.8 years. Body mass index was 26.7 and 25% smoked. The baseline blood pressure was 140/76 mm Hg and the mean blood pressure over approximately 4 years of follow-up was 121.6 mm Hg in the intensively treated group vs 133.2 mm Hg in the standard treatment group. You basically began to see a difference between the two in terms of the primary endpoint after about a year, so you started to see this split. At the end of the study, there was a very significant difference in terms of the primary endpoint between the two groups. I want to point out that, in my brain, those blood pressure targets that were reached are actually fairly standard. The intensively treated group was about 120 mm Hg, and that's compared with the standard treatment group, which was around 130 mm Hg. I must say that, in my own practice, given all the changes that we've seen over the years in blood pressure targets, the results from this study have actually motivated me to lower my systolic target, at least in terms of how I treat patients in clinic, because I think they may get further benefit. That then begs the question of how did they measure blood pressures in this study? I get patients who have what's called white coat hypertension. They come into my office, their blood pressure is higher, and then I have them test at home and it's better. In this study, they tried to take away some of that interference. They had patients come into clinic having had no exercise, no coffee, and no cigarettes for at least 30 minutes before their appointment. The patients had 5 minutes of seated rest, and then they had three blood pressure measurements, each done 1 minute apart. There was no talking or joking around. They just sat there and had their blood pressures measured in the appropriate way. The average systolic blood pressure was used of those three readings to determine whether treatment was changed. They followed pretty standard treatment regimens for hypertension, which are the ones we use in our ADA guidelines for the management of hypertension. People in the intensive group ended up on one or two additional medications compared with those in the standard group. The overall rate of severe adverse events was equivalent in both groups, but there was more symptomatic hypotension and hyperkalemia in the intensively treated group. As I said, this has actually changed how I'm treating my patients. The difference between 120 mm Hg and 133 mm Hg isn't that big in my brain, and yet there does seem to be a difference in terms of outcomes, primarily cardiovascular outcomes, as the primary endpoint. I think that, if a patient can tolerate a lower blood pressure without symptomatic hypotension, I am going to be treating them down to a lower target. I think this was a well-done study that actually will probably inform practice and guidelines in the future because I think it helps inform us of what is potentially the best target for our patients.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vera Therapeutics Announces Atacicept Achieved 46% Proteinuria Reduction in ORIGIN Phase 3 Trial in Adults with IgA Nephropathy
Atacicept ORIGIN Phase 3 trial met the primary endpoint of reduction in proteinuria (UPCR) at week 36; participants receiving atacicept achieved a 46% reduction from baseline and 42% reduction compared to placebo at week 36 (p<0.0001) Other prespecified endpoints achieved similar or better results compared to the ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial — per FDA guidance, Vera is not sharing eGFR results at this time while the ORIGIN 3 placebo-controlled trial continues The safety profile of atacicept was favorable, and comparable to placebo Vera plans to meet with FDA in the coming weeks to discuss these results and the regulatory pathway; Vera currently plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) for accelerated approval to the FDA in 4Q 2025; ORIGIN 3 trial continues with two-year results expected in 2027 Vera will host a conference call and webcast at 8:00 am ET on Monday, June 2 BRISBANE, Calif., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERA) today announced that the primary endpoint was met in the ORIGIN Phase 3 trial of atacicept for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in adults. Participants treated with atacicept achieved a 46% reduction from baseline in proteinuria as measured by 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR), with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 42% reduction in UPCR compared to placebo (p<0.0001) at week 36. For other prespecified endpoints, atacicept treatment also demonstrated results that were consistent with or better than those previously observed in the ORIGIN Phase 2b trial.1 The safety profile of atacicept in this analysis was favorable, and comparable to placebo. Vera plans to share these results with the FDA in the coming weeks, and full results will be submitted to the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. 'ORIGIN 3 is the first Phase 3 clinical trial in IgAN to demonstrate this magnitude of UPCR reduction compared to placebo at week 36. These results convincingly demonstrate the impact of atacicept to reduce proteinuria,' said Richard Lafayette, M.D., F.A.C.P., Professor of Medicine, Nephrology and Director of the Glomerular Disease Center at Stanford University Medical Center, and a primary investigator for both ORIGIN 2b and ORIGIN 3. 'If approved, we believe that atacicept has the potential to advance the standard of care in IgAN as the first dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor. We currently plan to submit a BLA for atacicept in IgAN to the FDA in the fourth quarter of this year, which may allow for US approval and commercial launch in 2026. We are grateful to the study participants, their families and caregivers, the study investigators and staff, our research partners, and the Vera team for their ongoing commitment and dedication to this important research,' said Marshall Fordyce, M.D., Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics. 'Vera aspires to evolve the practice of kidney medicine with the hope that, one day, patients may no longer face a future of dialysis or transplantation. Vera is poised for potential commercial launch of atacicept in 2026 and to pursue development in additional indications in other autoimmune kidney diseases and beyond.' 'Patients with IgA nephropathy, as well as their families and care partners, suffer from clinical uncertainty and the horrible outcome of kidney failure. In addition to clinical signs and symptoms, IgAN has a devastating impact on quality of life and mental wellbeing. I'm thrilled with the progress that is being made in developing new treatments for patients,' said Bonnie Schneider, Director and Cofounder of the IgA Nephropathy Foundation. ORIGIN 3 is an ongoing global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of 431 adults with IgA nephropathy. Participants were randomized 1:1 to atacicept 150 mg, self-administered at home via once weekly subcutaneous injection, or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in 24-hour UPCR compared to placebo at the 36-week interim analysis. The trial continues in a placebo-controlled blinded manner to evaluate the change in kidney function over two years as measured by eGFR and is expected to complete in 2027. For more information about the ORIGIN 3 clinical trial (NCT04716231), please visit The Company will host an investor call and webcast to discuss the data update at 8:00 AM ET on Monday, June 2. Investors Dial-in: 1-877-425-9470 Int'l Investors Dial-in: 1-201-389-0878 Conference ID: 13754147 Webcast: The live webcast will be available on the Company's Investor Calendar, with the recording and presentation available immediately following the event. References1. Barratt J, et al. JASN 2024 About Atacicept Atacicept is an investigational recombinant fusion protein that contains the soluble transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor that binds to the cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN, other autoimmune kidney diseases and lupus nephritis. The ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial of atacicept in IgAN met its primary and key secondary endpoints, with statistically significant and clinically meaningful proteinuria reductions and stabilization of eGFR versus placebo through 36 weeks. The safety profile during the randomized period was comparable between atacicept and placebo. Through 96 weeks, atacicept demonstrated further improvements in Gd-IgA1, hematuria, and proteinuria, as well as stabilization of eGFR reflecting a profile consistent with that of the general population without IgAN. Atacicept has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of IgAN, which reflects the FDA's determination that, based on an assessment of data from the ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial, atacicept may demonstrate substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over available therapies for patients with IgAN. Vera believes atacicept is positioned for best-in-class potential, targeting B cells to reduce autoantibodies and having been administered to more than 1,500 patients in clinical trials across different indications. About VeraVera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera's mission is to advance treatments that target the source of immunological diseases in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera's lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both BAFF and APRIL, which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN and lupus nephritis. In addition, Vera is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove medically useful. Vera also holds an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a novel, next generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, known as VT-109, with wide therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B cell mediated diseases. Vera is also developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus (BKV), a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. Vera retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept and MAU868. For more information, please visit Forward-looking StatementsStatements contained in this press release regarding matters, events or results that may occur in the future are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, atacicept's potential to be a best-in-class therapy for patients with IgAN, atacicept's potential as a treatment for indications beyond IgAN, Vera's expectations concerning other predefined endpoints in the Phase 3 ORIGIN trial, as well as the two-year data therefrom, Vera's plans to meet with, and submit a BLA for atacicept to, the FDA, and to potentially receive FDA approval for atacicept in IgAN and launch it commercially, and, in each case, the timing thereof, the potential for atacicept to bring value for patients and to the change the standard of care in IgAN, if approved, and other statements that are not historical fact. Because such statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'potential' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Vera's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the regulatory approval process, results of earlier clinical trials may not be obtained in later clinical trials, preliminary or interim results may not be predictive of final study results, risks and uncertainties associated with Vera's business in general, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical events, and the other risks described in Vera's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. Vera undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. For more information, please contact: Investor Contact:Joyce AllaireLifeSci Advisors212-915-2569jallaire@ Media Contact:Debra CharlesworthVera Therapeutics415-854-8051corporatecommunications@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vera Therapeutics Announces Atacicept Achieved 46% Proteinuria Reduction in ORIGIN Phase 3 Trial in Adults with IgA Nephropathy
Atacicept ORIGIN Phase 3 trial met the primary endpoint of reduction in proteinuria (UPCR) at week 36; participants receiving atacicept achieved a 46% reduction from baseline and 42% reduction compared to placebo at week 36 (p<0.0001) Other prespecified endpoints achieved similar or better results compared to the ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial — per FDA guidance, Vera is not sharing eGFR results at this time while the ORIGIN 3 placebo-controlled trial continues The safety profile of atacicept was favorable, and comparable to placebo Vera plans to meet with FDA in the coming weeks to discuss these results and the regulatory pathway; Vera currently plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) for accelerated approval to the FDA in 4Q 2025; ORIGIN 3 trial continues with two-year results expected in 2027 Vera will host a conference call and webcast at 8:00 am ET on Monday, June 2 BRISBANE, Calif., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERA) today announced that the primary endpoint was met in the ORIGIN Phase 3 trial of atacicept for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in adults. Participants treated with atacicept achieved a 46% reduction from baseline in proteinuria as measured by 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR), with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 42% reduction in UPCR compared to placebo (p<0.0001) at week 36. For other prespecified endpoints, atacicept treatment also demonstrated results that were consistent with or better than those previously observed in the ORIGIN Phase 2b trial.1 The safety profile of atacicept in this analysis was favorable, and comparable to placebo. Vera plans to share these results with the FDA in the coming weeks, and full results will be submitted to the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. 'ORIGIN 3 is the first Phase 3 clinical trial in IgAN to demonstrate this magnitude of UPCR reduction compared to placebo at week 36. These results convincingly demonstrate the impact of atacicept to reduce proteinuria,' said Richard Lafayette, M.D., F.A.C.P., Professor of Medicine, Nephrology and Director of the Glomerular Disease Center at Stanford University Medical Center, and a primary investigator for both ORIGIN 2b and ORIGIN 3. 'If approved, we believe that atacicept has the potential to advance the standard of care in IgAN as the first dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor. We currently plan to submit a BLA for atacicept in IgAN to the FDA in the fourth quarter of this year, which may allow for US approval and commercial launch in 2026. We are grateful to the study participants, their families and caregivers, the study investigators and staff, our research partners, and the Vera team for their ongoing commitment and dedication to this important research,' said Marshall Fordyce, M.D., Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics. 'Vera aspires to evolve the practice of kidney medicine with the hope that, one day, patients may no longer face a future of dialysis or transplantation. Vera is poised for potential commercial launch of atacicept in 2026 and to pursue development in additional indications in other autoimmune kidney diseases and beyond.' 'Patients with IgA nephropathy, as well as their families and care partners, suffer from clinical uncertainty and the horrible outcome of kidney failure. In addition to clinical signs and symptoms, IgAN has a devastating impact on quality of life and mental wellbeing. I'm thrilled with the progress that is being made in developing new treatments for patients,' said Bonnie Schneider, Director and Cofounder of the IgA Nephropathy Foundation. ORIGIN 3 is an ongoing global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of 431 adults with IgA nephropathy. Participants were randomized 1:1 to atacicept 150 mg, self-administered at home via once weekly subcutaneous injection, or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in 24-hour UPCR compared to placebo at the 36-week interim analysis. The trial continues in a placebo-controlled blinded manner to evaluate the change in kidney function over two years as measured by eGFR and is expected to complete in 2027. For more information about the ORIGIN 3 clinical trial (NCT04716231), please visit The Company will host an investor call and webcast to discuss the data update at 8:00 AM ET on Monday, June 2. Investors Dial-in: 1-877-425-9470 Int'l Investors Dial-in: 1-201-389-0878 Conference ID: 13754147 Webcast: The live webcast will be available on the Company's Investor Calendar, with the recording and presentation available immediately following the event. References1. Barratt J, et al. JASN 2024 About Atacicept Atacicept is an investigational recombinant fusion protein that contains the soluble transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor that binds to the cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN, other autoimmune kidney diseases and lupus nephritis. The ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial of atacicept in IgAN met its primary and key secondary endpoints, with statistically significant and clinically meaningful proteinuria reductions and stabilization of eGFR versus placebo through 36 weeks. The safety profile during the randomized period was comparable between atacicept and placebo. Through 96 weeks, atacicept demonstrated further improvements in Gd-IgA1, hematuria, and proteinuria, as well as stabilization of eGFR reflecting a profile consistent with that of the general population without IgAN. Atacicept has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of IgAN, which reflects the FDA's determination that, based on an assessment of data from the ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial, atacicept may demonstrate substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over available therapies for patients with IgAN. Vera believes atacicept is positioned for best-in-class potential, targeting B cells to reduce autoantibodies and having been administered to more than 1,500 patients in clinical trials across different indications. About VeraVera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera's mission is to advance treatments that target the source of immunological diseases in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera's lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both BAFF and APRIL, which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN and lupus nephritis. In addition, Vera is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove medically useful. Vera also holds an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a novel, next generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, known as VT-109, with wide therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B cell mediated diseases. Vera is also developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus (BKV), a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. Vera retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept and MAU868. For more information, please visit Forward-looking StatementsStatements contained in this press release regarding matters, events or results that may occur in the future are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, atacicept's potential to be a best-in-class therapy for patients with IgAN, atacicept's potential as a treatment for indications beyond IgAN, Vera's expectations concerning other predefined endpoints in the Phase 3 ORIGIN trial, as well as the two-year data therefrom, Vera's plans to meet with, and submit a BLA for atacicept to, the FDA, and to potentially receive FDA approval for atacicept in IgAN and launch it commercially, and, in each case, the timing thereof, the potential for atacicept to bring value for patients and to the change the standard of care in IgAN, if approved, and other statements that are not historical fact. Because such statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'potential' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Vera's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the regulatory approval process, results of earlier clinical trials may not be obtained in later clinical trials, preliminary or interim results may not be predictive of final study results, risks and uncertainties associated with Vera's business in general, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical events, and the other risks described in Vera's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. Vera undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. For more information, please contact: Investor Contact:Joyce AllaireLifeSci Advisors212-915-2569jallaire@ Media Contact:Debra CharlesworthVera Therapeutics415-854-8051corporatecommunications@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kidney Community Comes Together for American Kidney Fund's Sixth Annual Kidney Action Week®
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today marks the beginning of the American Kidney Fund's (AKF) sixth annual Kidney Action Week®, the only free, online conference in the nation in which people with kidney disease, health professionals, caregivers, advocates and others come together to learn and connect. The event, which every year draws thousands of participants, is a highlight of Kidney Month. Kidney disease affects approximately 1 in 7 Americans. The condition is life-altering, has no cure and frequently is not detected until later stages when symptoms are more severe, leading the disease to be referred to as a silent killer because it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death. While kidney damage cannot be reversed, steps can be taken to slow its progression when it is detected early through eGFR and UACR tests. Each day of Kidney Action Week will feature empowering educational sessions designed to give people the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their kidney health, covering topics such as rare kidney disease, kidney disease prevention, detection and management, dialysis, transplant and living organ donation and clinical research and innovation. 'Given how common kidney disease is, providing people the information and tools they need to manage their kidney health is critically important,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'In addition to providing these vital resources, Kidney Action Week is also a chance for members of the kidney community to ask questions, share stories and connect with each other.' Kidney Action Week will include a Congressional Briefing on March 4, 'Genetic Testing: Is it the Right Choice for You?' This discussion will focus on genetic testing and counseling, give an overview of genetic causes of kidney disease and address who should receive genetic testing. Among the scheduled speakers are U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), who will deliver video remarks. Rep. Smith was the lead sponsor of H.R. 3876, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023. The following sessions will take place during Kidney Action Week: Monday, March 3 Behind the Diagnosis: Unique Experiences from Patients with Rare Kidney Diseases Take Control: Know Your Kidneys and Build a Plan Become a Kidney Health Coach: Inspire Others to Keep Their Kidneys Healthy Tuesday, March 4 Congressional Briefing: Genetic Testing – Is it the Right Choice for You? Path to Diagnosis: Understanding Your Rare Kidney Disease Cause Long COVID and Kidney Disease: Understanding the Impact and Advancing Care Wednesday, March 5 Infection Control in Dialysis: Best Practices for Prevention and Management Managing Resistant High Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Life After a Kidney Transplant: Embracing Change and Setting Realistic Expectations Thursday, March 6 The Power of Participation: Diversifying Clinical Research to Advance Kidney Health Breaking Barriers: Empowering Organ and Tissue Donation in Minority Communities Building Better Kidney Health Advocacy: Mapping the Lived Experiences of People with Chronic Kidney Disease Friday, March 7 General Chronic Kidney Disease Q&A Transplant Q&A Q&A with Renal (Kidney) Dietitians Patient Support Q&A More details on these sessions and the speakers, along with information on registration, is available at Kidney Action Week is part of AKF's Know Your Kidneys® kidney disease education and prevention program. Kidney Action Week is made possible thanks to the support of Event Sponsors Travere Therapeutics, Inc., Track Sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim, CorMedix Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; and Session Sponsors AstraZeneca plc and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. CONTACT: Nancy Gregory American Kidney Fund (240) 292-7077 ngregory@ in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Kidney Community Comes Together for American Kidney Fund's Sixth Annual Kidney Action Week®
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today marks the beginning of the American Kidney Fund's (AKF) sixth annual Kidney Action Week ®, the only free, online conference in the nation in which people with kidney disease, health professionals, caregivers, advocates and others come together to learn and connect. The event, which every year draws thousands of participants, is a highlight of Kidney Month. Kidney disease affects approximately 1 in 7 Americans. The condition is life-altering, has no cure and frequently is not detected until later stages when symptoms are more severe, leading the disease to be referred to as a silent killer because it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death. While kidney damage cannot be reversed, steps can be taken to slow its progression when it is detected early through eGFR and UACR tests. Each day of Kidney Action Week will feature empowering educational sessions designed to give people the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their kidney health, covering topics such as rare kidney disease, kidney disease prevention, detection and management, dialysis, transplant and living organ donation and clinical research and innovation. 'Given how common kidney disease is, providing people the information and tools they need to manage their kidney health is critically important,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'In addition to providing these vital resources, Kidney Action Week is also a chance for members of the kidney community to ask questions, share stories and connect with each other.' Kidney Action Week will include a Congressional Briefing on March 4, 'Genetic Testing: Is it the Right Choice for You?' This discussion will focus on genetic testing and counseling, give an overview of genetic causes of kidney disease and address who should receive genetic testing. Among the scheduled speakers are U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), who will deliver video remarks. Rep. Smith was the lead sponsor of H.R. 3876, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023. The following sessions will take place during Kidney Action Week: Monday, March 3 Behind the Diagnosis: Unique Experiences from Patients with Rare Kidney Diseases Take Control: Know Your Kidneys and Build a Plan Become a Kidney Health Coach: Inspire Others to Keep Their Kidneys Healthy Tuesday, March 4 Congressional Briefing: Genetic Testing – Is it the Right Choice for You? Path to Diagnosis: Understanding Your Rare Kidney Disease Cause Long COVID and Kidney Disease: Understanding the Impact and Advancing Care Wednesday, March 5 Infection Control in Dialysis: Best Practices for Prevention and Management Managing Resistant High Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Life After a Kidney Transplant: Embracing Change and Setting Realistic Expectations Thursday, March 6 The Power of Participation: Diversifying Clinical Research to Advance Kidney Health Breaking Barriers: Empowering Organ and Tissue Donation in Minority Communities Building Better Kidney Health Advocacy: Mapping the Lived Experiences of People with Chronic Kidney Disease Friday, March 7 General Chronic Kidney Disease Q&A Transplant Q&A Q&A with Renal (Kidney) Dietitians Patient Support Q&A More details on these sessions and the speakers, along with information on registration, is available at Kidney Action Week is part of AKF's Know Your Kidneys® kidney disease education and prevention program. Kidney Action Week is made possible thanks to the support of Event Sponsors Travere Therapeutics, Inc., Track Sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim, CorMedix Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; and Session Sponsors AstraZeneca plc and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar.
