Understanding the changing landscape in health care and kidney care is an important effort as private equity, artificial intelligence, technology companies’ interest, and value-based care influence the direction of patient care and research. Over the past 3 years, a quarterly report has been provided to ASN Council and staff tracking activities in this critical space. The report and analysis are drawn from publicly available data, including news articles, press releases, and investment statements.
The following summaries are generated from over 800 data points collected from January to June 2024 and presented in the first of a twice-a-year update for Kidney News.
Health equity and home care
Achieving health equity and approaches to increasing diversity in clinical trials were regularly reported during the first two quarters of 2024. ASN staff continues to track rural health and how innovation can support this population, especially people living with kidney diseases, care partners, nephrologists, and the care team. To this end, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently launched a “Home as a Health Care Hub” initiative to enable the safe use of medical devices within one's home. ASN staff will continue to track these efforts closely.
Transplant and reimbursement
It would be remiss in this summary not to mention the recent and regular news around transplant, including the Health Resources and Services Administration's initiative to reform the organ transplant system and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed mandatory organ transplant payment model. Continuing with payment policy, many of the collected data points’ inventory activity are related to the Medicare Advantage and End Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment. Without a mechanism for coverage, it is challenging for patients to access the new therapies that are working their way through the development pipeline or for investors to consider kidneys as a viable market for innovation.
Patient advocacy and public awareness
On a final note, this first half of 2024 has seen many individuals with kidney diseases come forward to share their stories and testimonies. Notably, Suni Lee, US gymnast and Olympic Team member, speaks openly about her health and conditions, including kidney disease. Patient advocacy and involvement are key to health care innovation, and increased sharing of patients’ unique experiences can help guide the future of patient-centered kidney care.
This report will be provided again in early 2025 with a focus on Q3 and Q4 2024 activity, including relevant highlights from ASN Kidney Week.
Summary: FDA Approvals
Summary: Biologic, Drug, and Device Development
Summary: Investments
Summary: Mergers and Acquisitionsa
Summary: Value-Based Kidney Carea
