(New York City, NY) – January 21, 2026 – The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) today announced the launch of its new IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) Patient Journey, an interactive, online educational experience designed to support people living with IgAN and those who care for them. The resource is now available on NKF’s website and offers clear, supportive, and personalized information to help individuals better understand their condition and prepare for next steps in care.
IgA Nephropathy is the most common glomerular disease worldwide and remains a leading cause of kidney failure. While considered a rare disease, IgAN can have profound physical, emotional, and social impact on patients and families. The tool was developed to address unmet educational and support needs identified by the IgAN community, including understanding symptoms, test results, treatment options, and how to communicate effectively with healthcare teams.
“The IgAN Patient Journey reflects NKF’s commitment to empowering patients with knowledge that is accessible, relevant, and tailored to their individual experiences,” said Jessica Joseph, SVP Scientific Operations, National Kidney Foundation. “By meeting people where they are—whether newly diagnosed, living with IgAN, or caring for a loved one — we hope to reduce uncertainty and equip patients and care partners with the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in care decisions.”
The interactive learning experience uses cloud-based, responsive technology to adapt
content based on a learner’s responses. Users can explore topics such as:
• What IgA Nephropathy is and how it affects the kidneys
• Common signs, symptoms, and complications
• Diagnostic tests and medical terminology
• Treatment options, including medications and lifestyle approaches
• Mental health, quality of life, and living well with IgAN
• Questions to ask healthcare providers and resources for ongoing support
The content was developed by NKF experts and reviewed by clinicians and patient advisors to ensure medical accuracy, patient-centered language, and ease of use. NKF gratefully acknowledges the following organizations for their commitment to advancing patient education in IgA Nephropathy through their support for this initiative: Calliditas Therapeutics AB, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., and Vera Therapeutics Inc.
To access the IgA Nephropathy Patient Journey, visit https://kidney.org/igan-journey.
About Kidney Disease
In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease - also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) - and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are about four times as likely as White people to have kidney failure. Hispanic people experience kidney failure at about double the rate of White people.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.
Media Contact:
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Sam Tyler
National Kidney Foundation
Phone: (212) 889-2210 x 141
Email: sam.tyler@kidney.org