STATEMENT OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY ON SECURING FUNDING FOR KIDNEYX
Innovation accelerator set to receive historic appropriation to spur innovation in kidney care
Newswise — Washington, DC (December 17, 2019) — KidneyX received $5,000,000 in the government spending package announced late Monday, December 16. Included as part of two “omnibus” spending packages, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill includes first-time funding for KidneyX for Fiscal Year 2020.
Specifically, the bill calls for “carrying out prize competitions sponsored by the Office of the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] to accelerate innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases.”
A top ASN policy priority, the funding represents a significant legislative victory for the society. It will enable the development of innovative new products for kidney patients, including working towards an artificial kidney as called for by the Presidential Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health in July 2019.
In response to the news, ASN President Mark Rosenberg, MD, FASN said, “this is a breakthrough moment for not only KidneyX but the entire kidney community. For the first time Congress has called for and provided critical funding for prize competitions aimed at spurring innovation and improving kidney care for the 37,000,000 Americans with kidney disease.”
The bill is set to be considered today, December 17, by the House of Representatives, and if passed, will move to the Senate for consideration ahead of the current deadline for government funding on Friday, December 20. ASN stands ready to finalize this important legislation and secure the historic first-time appropriation for KidneyX.
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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