IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common rare immune-related diseases that damages the kidneys' tiny filters, called glomeruli. For many years, treatment options were limited. Today, that is changing. As of August 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six medications specifically for IgAN, with many more being studied in clinical trials. With so many new treatments becoming available, doctors have important questions about how to use these med

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is entering a period of rapid therapeutic change. In response to the evolving treatment landscape in IgAN, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) hosted two scientific workshops in spring 2026: The Future of Clinical Trials in IgAN, held April 22-24 in Washington, DC, and B-Cell Therapies for Treating IgAN, held May 14-16 in Dallas, Texas. The Evolving IgAN Treatment Landscape While considered a rare disease, IgAN is the most common primary glomeruloneph

Research on kidney disease has only begun to accelerate with advancements in medical technology, xenotransplantation, and prescription drugs. Kidney disease is a particularly underfunded area of research, with many treatments the same as they were in the 1960s. The proposed OMB rule would be particularly harmful for people with kidney disease whose future requires research advancements in transplantation options and therapy methods. What Is the Proposed OMB Rule? The Office o

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recently urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen protections for kidney patients in a new Medicaid rule on community engagement reporting requirements. What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program that provides healthcare coverage to eligible people with limited income and certain health needs, including those living with kidney disease, kidney failure, and kidney transplants. It

Looking for ways to improve your health? You're not alone. According to a 2024 study, 70% of adults take at least one dietary supplement every day. But while supplements often promise more energy, better immunity, and improved wellness, they aren’t always safe—especially for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), those on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients. Registered dietitian Desiree de Waal and pharmacist Dr. Calvin Meaney explained what to watch for and how to

Dr. Robert Montgomery, Director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, presenting at the 2024 Spring Clinical Meetings Xenotransplant Session. The Second Annual Richard Slayman Clinical Xenotransplantation Workshop is a groundbreaking kidney transplant meeting that brought together experts to discuss the future of xenotransplantation, including the National Kidney Foundation's own Heather Murphy, who represented the patient perspective. What is Xenotransplantation? Xenotra

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have other health conditions too, like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or heart failure. Together, these interconnected conditions are known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. The good news? Healthcare professionals have more treatment options than ever before to help protect kidney and heart health. The challenge is figuring out how to use those treatments together. Which medications should come first? W

More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet about 9 in 10 don't know they have it. Because kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms, many people are not diagnosed until the disease has already progressed. By then, treatment options may be more limited. Advancing Early Disease Care The good news is that early detection can make a difference. When CKD is found early, people have more opportunities to slow disease progres

Managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become increasingly complex, due in part to a rapid and promising increase in the number of pharmacologic therapies now available to slow CKD progression and reduce its associated cardiovascular risk. To help address these challenges, the National Kidney Foundation recently convened a multidisciplinary scientific workshop focused on developing practical, patient-centered approaches to combination therapy in CKD. Cardiovascular-Kidney

Millions of Americans are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet many do not receive education about managing their condition until their kidneys have already suffered significant damage. New bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA) aims to change that. Kidney Disease Education Access Expansion Act The current Medicare Kidney Disease Education (KDE) benefit, championed by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)

Does what you eat really make a difference in kidney disease? For many people, the answer is yes! According to Dr. Shivam Joshi, a kidney doctor and researcher known for his work in plant-based nutrition, a healthy plant-based diet may help slow the progression of kidney disease. Understanding Plant-Based Diets in Kidney Disease A plant-based diet for kidney disease does not necessarily mean becoming a vegetarian or vegan. It means eating fewer animal products and more foods

Musicians are used to using their voices to connect with people. That’s why artists like Larry g(EE), Don Omar, Freeway, Brian Kennedy, and Angelica Hale joined forces with NKF to raise awareness about kidney disease, living donation, and early detection. Why Are Musicians Speaking Out About Kidney Disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 35 million Americans, but many people do not know they are at risk because it often develops silently. When public figures

Comfort food can still fit into a kidney-friendly eating plan. With a few smart ingredient swaps and lower-sodium cooking methods, you can enjoy satisfying meals and desserts without giving up flavor. These kidney-friendly recipes are proof. Making Comfort Food More Kidney-Friendly Many comfort foods are high in sodium, saturated fat, or processed ingredients. Small changes can help make favorite meals more kidney-friendly. Try these easy swaps Use herbs, garlic, onion powde

A 2022 survey found that more than 80% of people on dialysis struggled to manage their phosphorus levels. For many people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), keeping phosphorus in a healthy range can feel like a constant battle involving food choices, medications, and dialysis treatments. But help is available. Speaking Up About Phosphorus on Dialysis Nephrologist (kidney doctor) Dr. Jaime Uribarri, kidney dietitian Dr. Annabel Biruete, and advocate Melissa Tuff share

About 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. They can appear suddenly, and the symptoms can be extremely painful. Now, new research is changing how we understand why kidney stones form, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat them. What is a Kidney Stone? A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece of material that forms in the kidneys when certain minerals in urine stick together and crystallize. Kidney stones can be as small as

Gout pain can stop you in your tracks. A sudden flare can make it hard to walk, sleep, or even think clearly. What many people don’t realize is that gout isn’t just a joint problem. It’s closely connected to kidney health, and the two conditions can make each other worse. That’s why, in February 2026, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) brought together patients, care partners, and leading experts in kidney and joint health for a Scientific Workshop on the Management of Gout

Marc has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients and families by advancing efforts to reduce suffering and death caused by disease. Dr. Marc Hurlbert is the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation. He most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer at the Melanoma Research Alliance. A pharmacologist by training, Marc has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients and families by advancing efforts to reduce suffering

When Dwayne Sunwald and Peter Agosto learned they were approaching dialysis, they started thinking seriously about what they could do to take more control of their health. For both of them, the answer started with food. With support from their healthcare teams, they shifted to a plant-based diet. Today, both say that the decision helped them protect their kidney function and feel better overall. What is a Plant-Based Diet? A plant-based diet focuses on eating mostly foods t

Fans know Belmont Cameli for his breakout roles in teen dramas and streaming hits, including the college romance series Off Campus. But long before the rising actor was making headlines for his work onscreen, he made a life-saving decision to donate one of his kidneys to a childhood friend in need. The decision led to something far bigger than either of them expected. From One “Yes” to Seven Lives Saved In 2018, Cameli learned that his friend needed a kidney transplant and im

When people talk about living kidney donation, the focus is often on the donor or recipient. But behind every living donor is a support system of family, friends, and caregivers helping them through recovery. For National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Vice President of Public Policy Miriam Godwin, that support came from her mother, Margaret Hilton. A Mom's Perspective on Living Donation Miriam first learned about the growing impact of kidney disease during a summer internship at th