Kidney Research UK

MEDIA RELEASE: MAY 2006

Kidney patients and professionals are set to benefit from the launch of an innovative new DVD, which aims to provide a unique source of information on all aspects of kidney disease. The DVD programme, supported and developed by Kidney Research UK and the British Renal Society, will be rolled out to renal units and GP’s surgeries later this year thanks to over £163,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Fund, and additional funding from the pharmaceutical companies, Wyeth, Baxter Healthcare Ltd., Astellas and Genzyme.

The project was established after a National Patient Survey, conducted by members of the development team in 2005, found that much of the information available for patients with kidney disease was limited in scope, and varied in quality. The survey identified a need for more up to date help and support, and for better quality information that would enable individuals to make more informed choices.

The new DVD will thus aim to provide valuable practical information to people suffering from kidney disease and help kidney patients lead a better quality of life by encouraging and empowering them towards the management of their condition. The content of the DVD will cover all the main areas of kidney health, giving practical and honest advice and support for patients using an engaging mixture of text, animation, video and pictures. Topics will range from pre-dialysis treatment right through to transplantation and palliative care, and through the use of navigational menus, patients will be able to select information which is relevant to their own condition.

In addition to specific information for patients with kidney disease, the DVD will also aim to raise the levels of understanding and awareness of kidney disease among the general public as a whole, and in particular, among “at-risk” groups such as people with diabetes, hypertension, and people of African Caribbean or Asian origin. Kidney disease is fast becoming a major health problem in the UK, with the Department of Health recently estimating that up to 1 in 10 people may be suffering from chronic kidney disease. Treatment for kidney disease costs the NHS nearly £2 billion per year, a figure which could be dramatically reduced through better awareness and earlier detection of the disease.

Professor Charles Pusey, Chairman of Kidney Research UK says: “The DVD will be the first of its kind for the kidney patient community, and the collaborative approach adopted for this project will help to ensure that the DVD reflects all interests and concerns. It is well recognised that the better a patient is informed, the better their quality of life. By clearly explaining kidney dialysis, transplantation, healthy living and long-term care to patients and their families and friends, many lives can be improved.”

Notes to Editors

1. Kidney Research UK was formerly known as The National Kidney Research Fund, having changed its name in October 2005. For over 40 years, it has been the UK’s leading kidney charity, funding research into the prevention, treatment, and management of kidney diseases. It also dedicates its work to patient care and educational initiatives.
2. The British Renal Society (BRS) is a registered charity and multi professional group created to improve standards of care for renal patients and their families.
3. One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Genzyme’s founding. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 8,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2005 revenues of $2.7 billion.
4. With many established products and services helping patients in more than 80 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as heart disease and other areas of unmet medical need.
5. Baxter Healthcare Ltd. is the primary domestic operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, haemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
6. Astellas aim is to contribute to better health for everyone by developing innovative and useful pharmaceuticals and delivering them to patients around the world with outstanding levels of quality and reliability. Astellas are eager to stand alongside our patients in their fight against diseases.
7. Wyeth is a research-based, global pharmaceutical company responsible for the discovery and development of some of today's most innovative medicines. Our products are sold in more than 140 countries.
8. People of Asian origin are 3-6 times more likely to suffer from kidney disease than other ethnic groups. This is because conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more prevalent in these communities.
9. There is no cure for kidney disease, and over 7,000 people die from it each year. The only options are dialysis which offers a poor quality of life or a transplant, for which there is a huge waiting list, especially for Asian people.
10. Around 34,000 people are currently being treated for renal failure, a number that is rising by 8% annually.