FDA, American Society of Nephrology announce Kidney Health Initiative

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are pleased to announce a new partnership: the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI). KHI will advance scientific understanding of the patient safety and treatment implications of new and existing medical products. KHI will create a collaborative environment for all stakeholders in the kidney community to help foster development of optimum therapies for diseases that affect the kidney and the quality of life of millions of people in the United States and the rest of the world.

KHI will provide a forum for scientific collaboration, dialogue with patient groups and others concerned about kidney health, intellectual partnerships and public opportunities to foster exchange about potential advances in treatment. A broadly inclusive organization, KHI members will represent patient and health professional organizations, industry, academia, and government participants.

"In today's complex world of new product development, establishing a deeper knowledge of disease states and forging multi-disciplinary collaborations have become essential to finding safe and effective new therapies," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The Kidney Health Initiative is a powerful example of this successful formula and demonstrates our shared commitment to improving the health and safety of patients with kidney disease."

"Together, ASN and FDA recognize the growing imperative to promote kidney health and improve patient safety," said ASN President Ronald J. Falk, MD, FASN. "I foresee astonishing benefit to patients as a result of increased exchange of knowledge through KHI."

KHI will be fully operational by January 2013. Members will identify priorities for collaborative projects and other opportunities to advance kidney health and safety as well as improve the lives of the millions with kidney disease worldwide.