Kidney failure

New CDC Respiratory Guidance Ignores Kidney Patient Concerns

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the largest and oldest independent kidney patient organization in the nation, issued an Official Statement (appears below) in response to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control's (CDC) new Respiratory Virus Guidance, publicly announced on March 1, 2024. The CDC announcement occurred on the first day of National Kidney Month. March traditionally unites kidney stakeholders and people of goodwill in efforts to raise awareness of kidney diseases, address ongoing unmet patient needs, and advocate for removal of federal regulatory and payment barriers that impede access to, and development of, new kidney diagnostics, drugs, and devices.

Key Points: 
  • Mortality rates among kidney patients occurred at historic levels at the start of the COVID pandemic, devastated the kidney patient community and families, and this community's ongoing risks remain a strategic concern among patient advocates and allied kidney professionals.
  • AAKP also raised kidney patient health and safety concerns to CDC officials in stakeholder briefings prior to the March 1, 2024, CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance announcement.
  • The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the nation's largest and oldest independent kidney patient organization in the nation, is deeply concerned about the Center for Disease Prevention Control's (CDC) Respiratory Virus Guidelines, including for COVID, announced on March 1, 2024.
  • https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7308a5.htm
    Since 1969, The American Association of Kidney Patients has been a patient-led organization driving policy discussions on kidney patient care choice and medical innovation.

Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation Launches "Do You Know?" Kidney Awareness Campaign

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation Launches "Do You Know?" Kidney Awareness Campaign

Key Points: 
  • March is National Kidney Month and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation has launched the "Do You Know?"
  • kidney awareness campaign, to educate, empower, and inspire individuals to take proactive steps toward kidney health and shed light on the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment options.
  • Just in time for National Kidney Month, National Donate Life Month and National Minority Health Month, the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) is proud to announce the launch of its latest initiative, the "Do You Know?"
  • campaign represents our dedication to raising awareness, empowering individuals, and saving lives through education and action," said Nicole Mendez, Executive Director of Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation.

National Kidney Foundation Recognizes March as National Kidney Month

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As March approaches, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is gearing up to observe National Kidney Month, a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and chronic kidney disease (CKD). With World Kidney Day falling on Thursday, March 14th, this month holds particular significance in advocating for KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As March approaches, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is gearing up to observe National Kidney Month, a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • With World Kidney Day falling on Thursday, March 14th, this month holds particular significance in advocating for KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™ .
  • "Despite this, they are exposed to inequities in kidney care including evaluation and obtaining a kidney transplant.
  • To mark National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day, NKF is highlighting several ways the organization is promoting kidney equity.

Lupus Research Alliance Announces Recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award (LMTA), whose research will investigate molecular pathways or targets that will lead to new or improved therapies for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award (LMTA), whose research will investigate molecular pathways or targets that will lead to new or improved therapies for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • The development of targeted treatments is hindered by an incomplete understanding of lupus and its devastating complications.
  • These seven talented investigators will identify targets for new treatments and test novel therapeutic avenues to revolutionize the field and improve the lives of individuals with lupus.
  • Surgical biopsies of the kidneys are often needed to diagnose lupus nephritis (LN), kidney inflammation caused by lupus that can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening organ damage.

Iovance’s AMTAGVI™ (lifileucel) Receives U.S. FDA Accelerated Approval for Advanced Melanoma

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Feb. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), a biotechnology company focused on innovating, developing and delivering novel polyclonal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapies for patients with cancer, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AMTAGVI™ (lifileucel) suspension for intravenous infusion. AMTAGVI is a tumor-derived autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma previously treated with a PD-1 blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor. This indication is approved under an accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response. Iovance is also conducting TILVANCE-301, a Phase 3 trial to confirm clinical benefit.

Key Points: 
  • This indication is approved under an accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response.
  • AMTAGVI is the first and the only one-time, individualized T cell therapy to receive FDA approval for a solid tumor cancer.
  • “Given the significant unmet needs in the advanced melanoma community, we are proud to offer a personalized, one-time therapeutic option for these patients.
  • Iovance will host a conference call and live audio webcast today to discuss the FDA approval of AMTAGVI.

Sibeprenlimab Receives U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the Treatment of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., (OPDC); Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co. Ltd. (Otsuka); and Visterra, Inc., an Otsuka group company announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for the investigational drug sibeprenlimab for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN; Berger’s disease).

Key Points: 
  • Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., (OPDC); Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co. Ltd. (Otsuka); and Visterra, Inc., an Otsuka group company announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for the investigational drug sibeprenlimab for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN; Berger’s disease).
  • This press release features multimedia.
  • Breakthrough therapy designation allows the agency to prioritize and focus resources on the most promising products for which no satisfactory treatment option exists.
  • “We are encouraged by the FDA’s decision to grant breakthrough therapy status for the sibeprenlimab program,” said John Kraus, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer at Otsuka.

Six Tips for Dating while on Dialysis

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Half of Americans think dating has gotten harder in the last ten years.1 Where does that leave someone looking for love with a serious illness, such as kidney failure? Dating is hard enough without the stress of treatments like dialysis. You may ask if dating can even be done when you have a major health condition. The answer is yes, dating on dialysis can absolutely be done. While chronic illness may make the logistics of dating a little more difficult, you are still capable of loving and deserving of love. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is suggesting six tips to help anyone navigating the dating world while dealing with the stress of dialysis. 

Key Points: 
  • Dating is hard enough without the stress of treatments like dialysis.
  • The answer is yes, dating on dialysis can absolutely be done.
  • Just in time for Valentine's Day, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is suggesting six tips to help anyone navigating the dating world while dealing with the stress of dialysis.
  • For Valentine's Day, the NKF is suggesting six tips for anyone navigating the dating world while dealing with dialysis.

Tampa General Hospital Recognized as a Great Workplace for Diversity by Newsweek

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced it has been named to Newsweek's list of "America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity" for 2024. Newsweek, which published the inaugural edition of this list in 2023, highlighted mid-size and large companies that were recognized by their employees for genuinely respecting and valuing individuals from different walks of life. This marks the second consecutive year Tampa General is recognized by Newsweek for the academic health system's dedication to driving engagement, and fostering a culture in which team members are encouraged and welcomed as the most authentic version of themselves. These efforts reinforce the culture at TGH in which all team members feel a sense of belonging.

Key Points: 
  • Tampa General Hospital's commitment to diversity and a positive workplace culture earns national recognition.
  • TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced it has been named to Newsweek's list of "America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity" for 2024.
  • "As one of the leading academic health systems, our team members are our most valuable asset," said John Couris, president and chief executive officer of Tampa General.
  • "We value and celebrate who they are as individuals and the experiences they carry with them into the doors of Tampa General.

RTW Charitable Foundation Announces Six Research Grant Recipients

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

RTW Charitable Foundation (“RTWCF”) announced today that it has awarded $900,000 in research grants to support six research studies.

Key Points: 
  • RTW Charitable Foundation (“RTWCF”) announced today that it has awarded $900,000 in research grants to support six research studies.
  • “Optimizing AAV-SPL gene therapy for sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome” (Julie Saba, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA).
  • “RTW Charitable Foundation is proud to provide financial and scientific support to these six incredible researchers and their respective studies.
  • In addition to delivering financial resources, RTWCF also provides grant recipients with hands-on scientific support, helping them improve or further develop their research and research tools and identify new therapeutic targets.

Kidney Patients Target Medicare Transplant Double Standard

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the largest and oldest kidney patient organization in the nation, issued an Official Statement (appears below) and an AAKP Closer Look report highlighting a new, double standard and unequal access for Medicare kidney transplant recipients who rely upon molecular blood tests for organ health surveillance and the identification of early organ rejection. Kidney disease and kidney failure disproportionately impact minority Americans. Federal data consistently demonstrates that, among historically disadvantaged communities, there are tremendous barriers and lack of opportunity to receive a kidney transplant and furthermore, re-transplantation when a donor organ fails.

Key Points: 
  • The new restrictions severely limit Medicare patients and transplant professionals from accessing molecular blood tests, covered by Medicare and utilized since 2017.
  • It is absolutely clear this is a new double standard for Medicare transplant recipients.
  • Today, Medicare patients with a kidney transplant in South Carolina and across the nation face the new reality of unequal treatment to protect their precious gifts of life.
  • Their failed leadership has empowered unelected, unaccountable, and faceless for-profit contractors to make life and death decisions that negatively impact kidney transplant patients on Medicare.