Charlotte Robinson

Ardelyx, manufacturer of the drug Xphozah, has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The American Association of Kidney Patients and the National Minority Quality Forum joined Ardelyx in the lawsuit.

The exclusion of women and people with kidney disease from cardiovascular disease clinical trials has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding how cardiovascular health status might differ between men and women with kidney failure. This is of particular importance because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with kidney failure.

Lifestyle interventions have proven effective at aiding weight loss and improving risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. However, their impact on kidney function (measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) over time has not been widely reported.

About one in three Americans have at least three risk factors for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, yet there are no clinical practice guidelines for its treatment. Prevention, screening, management, and treatment of these diseases lacks uniformity.

AVEO Oncology announced that adding its renal cell carcinoma (RCC) therapy Fotivda (tivozanib) to treatment with Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) did not demonstrate a benefit for patients in a phase 3 trial.

The American Kidney Fund (AKF), a nonprofit organization whose programs address early detection of kidney disease, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation, and advocacy, has received a $275,000 grant from the Rockville, Maryland-based Schattner Foundation. The gift will support AKF’s work on behalf of people with kidney disease in several ways.

Florida’s LGBTQ Tourism Convention & the Florida OutCoast Convention have announced this year’s recipients of the Florida Flamingo Awards. This prestigious recognition honors tourism leaders, LGBTQ organizations & marketing experts who exemplify allyship & inclusion. These leaders have created welcoming spaces for LGBTQ travelers, making significant strides in fostering a more inclusive world in these challenging times. Awards are based on visible engagement with our LGBTQ community, inclusive marketing efforts, feedback from LGBTQ community members & partnership experiences through OutCoast. The winners are: Flamazing Trailblazer Award: Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale, Flamazing Ally Award: Georgia Turner, Visit West Volusia, Flamazing Creator Award: FabStayz in Partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, Flamazing Destination Award: The City of St Petersburg, Flamazing Event of the Year: Girls in Wonderland (Pandora Events), Flamazing Hospitality Award: The Sawmill, Flamazing Face of Pride Award: FayWhat?!, Flamazing Partnership Award: The Joy Ride (Previously The Smart Ride), Flamazing LGBTQ+ Experience Award: RHouse Wynwood & Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan Beck, Fun Travel Guides. The Flamboyance Award Reception takes place Monday August 12th from 4:30P to 8P at the Loews Coral Gables to celebrate the winners. Flamboyance tickets are $199 & include food, bar, entertainment & networking. Dress Code is come as you are but bonus points for wearing flamingo pink. Last April I talked with Flamazing Event of the Year winner Alison Burgos about the 23rd anniversary of Girls In Wonderland in Orlando, Florida in this exclusive audio interview. Girls In Wonderland was founded in 2000 by the trio Amy Alonso, Yesenia Leon & Burgos the women behind Pandora Events.

Kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) are often discarded. Up to 44% of kidneys from deceased donors with stage 3 AKI are not transplanted. However, recent evidence suggests that transplanting kidneys from certain donors with AKI has a risk of graft failure comparable with kidneys from deceased donors without AKI. Research is lacking, as previous studies have not included deceased donors with the most severe AKI and those who received dialysis.

In March 2024, a 70-year-old woman from Cleveland, Ohio, became the first person in the United States to have a dual kidney transplant using a minimally invasive robotic surgical system. The procedure was performed by Mohamed Eltemamy, MD, at the Cleveland Clinic.

Kidney care provider Evergreen Nephrology announced that David Young has joined its board of directors. Young has served as chief executive officer (CEO) of GenesisCare, president and CEO of Physicians Endoscopy Inc., and chief operating officer of Privia Health. He has held senior-level positions at Smile Brands Inc., McKesson Specialty Health, and US Oncology Inc. Young will continue to serve on the boards of GenesisCare Cayman Holdings, GenesisCare UK Ltd, and Biocartis Holdings Inc.