African Americans are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop kidney failure, which has raised the possibility of a genetic cause for this disparity.1, 2 Research has discovered hundreds of genes linked to increased risk for kidney disease, including the APOL1 gene – thought to be associated with a rapidly progressive form of chronic kidney disease for people of African ancestry who have high risk variants. Genetic testing is the first step for patients to understand their genetic risk and better inform their treatment options.
Genetic testing plays a pivotal role in identifying genetic predispositions to chronic kidney disease (CKD) among individuals of African descent, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. This targeted approach allows for the detection of specific gene mutations, including the APOL1 gene, which is significantly associated with a more aggressive form of CKD. By understanding these genetic risks, the program not only informs patients about their health but also guides healthcare providers in crafting more precise and effective management and treatment strategies. This strategic use of genetic testing aims to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes in a community highly susceptible to kidney disease.
What is the Program?
Natera and Vertex Pharmaceuticals are working together to raise awareness about the genetic causes of kidney disease in the Black community and to reduce the barriers associated with genetic testing. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring a no-cost testing program with Natera to provide the Renasight™ genetic test and genetic counseling to eligible* individuals. Through this program more patients will have access to genetic testing which may help to provide answers explaining the increased risk of kidney disease and provide clarity for improved disease management decisions.
Patients who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for the Renasight™ sponsored testing program:
Order the test using Renasight™ requisition form and attestation form. Please note all orders must include the attestation form.
Program Information
The program targets individuals of African ancestry who have been diagnosed with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, and who are not on dialysis or have not received a kidney transplant.
Renasight™ tests for 385 genes associated with chronic kidney disease, including the APOL1 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of kidney disease in people of African descent.
Healthcare providers can order the test through the Renasight™ program, which requires a physician order confirming the patient meets the eligibility criteria.
The program provides access to renal genetic counselors who help both healthcare providers and patients understand the test results, discuss gene changes, and the inheritance patterns of genetic conditions.
The program aims to raise awareness about the genetic causes of kidney disease in the Black community and reduce barriers to genetic testing, which can inform better disease management and treatment options.
The program is available in specific metropolitan areas across the United States.
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex’s history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X.
1Umeukeje EM, Young BA. Genetics and ESKD Disparities in African Americans. Am J Kidney Dis. 2019 Dec;74(6):811-821. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2019.06.006. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31606237; PMCID: PMC7373097.
2https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/race-ethnicity
