Oxford PharmaGenesis is delighted to have supported the publication of a Delphi consensus manuscript in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The publication highlights the need to increase awareness among key stakeholders of racial health disparities in kidney disease and of APOL1-associated nephropathy.
The publication follows months of impressive collaboration with a diverse group of experts and representative patient and community stakeholders.
Health disparities
End-stage kidney disease affects three times as many black people as white people. Social determinants of health, racial inequalities in health provision and genetic factors are understood to contribute to this disparity.
Genetic factors include variants of the APOL1 gene found almost exclusively in people with recent West African ancestry. However, no specific management protocol for APOL1-associated nephropathy exists.
This manuscript shares findings from a multidisciplinary, racially diverse group of 14 experts and patient advocates who participated in a Delphi consensus process to establish practical guidance for clinicians caring for patients who may have APOL1-associated nephropathy.
The group achieved consensus on the need to increase awareness among key stakeholders of racial health disparities in kidney disease and of APOL1-associated nephropathy, and on features of a successful education programme to raise awareness among the patient community.
The group also highlighted the unmet need for a specific treatment and agreed on best practice for management of these patients should a treatment become available.
Specialist support
The consensus guidance is endorsed by the Renal Association, NephCure Kidney International and the Texas Kidney Foundation. It is further supported by the American Kidney Fund and the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology.
This initiative was funded by an educational grant from AstraZeneca.
Oxford PharmaGenesis is proud to be part of this important work, which is in line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity.
Please click here to read the consensus and to share it with your own communities.
