The Japan Kidney Association, a nonprofit organisation, and Renalys Pharma, Inc., have entered into a collaborative agreement with the aim to develop innovative therapies and raise the awareness to overcome kidney disease.

“Kidney disease is increasing against a background of changing lifestyles and an ageing population. Kidney disease is also associated with stroke, heart disease and cognitive impairment, and overcoming kidney disease is a priority issue in Japan because kidney disease is one of factors that undermines the healthy life expectancy of the population.” said Naoki Kashihara, MD, PhD, President of Japan Kidney Association.

“Meanwhile, the number of unapproved drugs in Japan for drugs approved in Europe and the US has been increasing in recent years, called ‘drug loss’, which limits treatment options in Japan, is a major social issue. These are issues that need to be tackled in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders to help patients live their precious and irreplaceable lives. We hope that this agreement will be an opportunity for both parties to work together to achieve the common goal of overcoming kidney disease”, added Kashihara.

According to BT Slingsby, MD, PhD, MPH, CEO of Renalys Pharma, “Renalys Pharma’s mission is to deliver better healthcare to kidney disease patients in Japan and other Asian countries by acting as a catalyst to access new treatments to address the growing problem of ‘drug loss’. Through the development of innovative therapies and activities to raise awareness of kidney disease, we will work together with the Japan Kidney Association to overcome kidney disease along with supporting people living their precious and desperate lives.”