KIDNEYX INTRODUCES STEERING COMMITTEE
Leaders Will Cast Strategic Vision for Groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate Innovation in Kidney Care
Newswise — Washington, DC (October 15, 2019) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Chief Technology Officer and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) today introduced the members of the newly formed KidneyX Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX) steering committee. This diverse group of experts will play a critical role in advancing the KidneyX mission to improve the lives of the 850,000,000 people worldwide currently affected by kidney diseases by accelerating innovation in kidney disease prevention, diagnostics, and treatment.
KidneyX was launched in April 2018 as a groundbreaking public-private partnership between HHS and ASN to accelerate the development of drugs, devices, biologics, and other therapies across the spectrum of kidney care. KidneyX is a critical component of the Advancing American Kidney Health initiative outlined in a recent White House Executive Order and currently being implemented by HHS, ASN, and the rest of the kidney community.
Members of the KidneyX Steering Committee include leading patients, researchers, clinicians, regulatory and health policy leaders, and investors:
John R. Sedor, MD, FASN, Chair
Cleveland Clinic
Amy P. Abernethy, MD, PhD
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Christopher P. Austin, MD
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC
Verily/Alphabet
Elazer Edelman, MD, PhD
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jennifer Erickson
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
(2015-2017)
Kate Goodrich, MD, MHS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Paul E. Klotman, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
Emily Levy, MBA
Synergy Partners
Kevin Longino
National Kidney Foundation
Saira Ramasastry, MA, MS
Life Sciences Advisory
Prabir Roy-Chaudhury, MD, PhD, FASN
University of North Carolina
Edwin Simcox
Office of the Secretary
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
“We have assembled a dream team of visionary healthcare, policy, technology, and therapeutic leaders to shape the future of this bold initiative,” said John R. Sedor, MD, FASN, Chair of the KidneyX Steering Committee. “I look forward to working with this remarkable group to realize the full potential of KidneyX to disrupt kidney care as we know it and create a pathway for innovation that addresses the unmet needs of kidney patients, their caregivers and their families.”
The KidneyX Steering Committee is tasked with recommending a five-year strategic plan for the initiative, as well as providing guidance for all KidneyX activities and outreach. This work includes recommendations for prioritizing the areas of greatest unmet scientific need and fundraising to support future KidneyX prize competitions.
The goal of KidneyX is to provide at least $250 million in funding to spur innovation in product development for kidney patients, supported through government appropriations and contributions from the private sector—led by ASN’s $25 million initial commitment. This infusion of non-dilutive funding, alongside initiatives to fast track the commercialization of new technologies and therapies for kidney care, will make the kidney space an attractive market for additional private investment and innovation.
“Kidney diseases are a global public health crisis with vast consequences for America’s healthcare system,” said Edwin J. Simcox, HHS Chief Technology Officer. “President Trump’s Executive Order to advance kidney care for all Americans underscores the importance of this effort and the commitment of HHS and our agencies to the success of KidneyX.”
Earlier this year, KidneyX announced 15 winners of its first prize competition, Redesign Dialysis, which asked innovators to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation dialysis products.
The next phase of Redesign Dialysis launches during ASN Kidney Week 2019 (November 5-10) and will award up to three winners $500,000 each to build and test prototype solutions, or components of solutions, that can replicate normal kidney functions or improve dialysis access.
KidneyX also recently launched the Patient Innovator Challenge prize competition, with the National Kidney Foundation, to improve therapeutic options and quality of life by tapping ideas and alternative solutions that people living with kidney diseases have developed through their own everyday experiences and ingenuity.
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Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has more than 20,000 members representing 131 countries. For more information, please visit www.asn-online.org or contact the society at 202-640-4660.
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