January 2026 CKD Insider Newsletter
- Jan 31
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 2
Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you! The CKD Insider Newsletter provides actionable information for you and your family to help you manage your health in consultation with your doctor.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
Latest News from Kidney Organizations
Paid participation in virtual focus group for people who have had antibody mediated rejection following kidney transplant
This March, argenx, a global immunology company, would like to hear from individuals who have experienced antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) post-kidney transplant. Confirmed participants will be compensated $100 an hour for the 90-120 minute focus group.
If you are interested contact Tracie Titus (ttitus@argenx.com) and Gwen Valencia (gvalencia@argenx.com), US patient advocacy leads, to discuss your interest and availability.
AAKP Living with C3G Resources (for people not on dialysis)
C3G is a rare and serious disease that if not treated can lead to the need to be on dialysis. Adjusting to life with C3G can be challenging, if you are in this group, the resources below will provide you with practical information, resources and encouragement for your journey.
On-demand session: Living with C3G: Empowering Patients through Knowledge and Action
Website resources: Scroll to the bottom of the website page to see clinical trials for this disease.
NKF Hot Topics in Kidney Disease Podcast on Mental Health and Kidney Disease
Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your kidneys. Learn why mental health matters in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and free science-backed strategies you can start today. Listen in and learn how mental health support can improve your overall well -being.
Listen to: Taking care of your mind & kidneys Podcast
Renal Support Network Kidney Talk Podcast on Gut and Kidney Health Connection
The Renal Support Network (RSN) releases a regular podcast called KidneyTalk. The most recent episode discussed the link between gut health and kidney health, featuring Dr. Richard Johnson. Listen to: Link between gut and kidney health Podcast
AAKP’s Pediatric Kidney Pals Resources
Looking for support and age-appropriate resources for children with kidney disease? The American Association for Kidney Patients (AAKP) Kidney Pals offers an E-newsletter and resources created just for pediatric kidney patients and their families. Learn more and subscribe here.
MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Support
You don’t have to go through kidney disease alone. If you’re looking to connect with others who truly understand your experience, MyKidneyDiseaseTeam.com offers welcoming online social communities for people facing similar kidney-related challenges. It’s a place to share stories, learn, and find support from people who get it. Join the community here.
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Take time to Reflect
The beginning of the year is a good time to pause and reflect. Think about what you want more of in your life. Do you want to improve your health, your finances, or your personal relationships? Looking back at what worked well and what didn’t can help you understand what changes may be helpful moving forward. You don’t have to do everything at once. Choosing one or two goals and making a simple plan can help you feel more prepared and in control in the year ahead. Below are a few tools and ideas to support you along the way!
Looking for a push to live your best life?
Watch on-demand: Time to Rise Summit 2026: Available for 5 days
Watch live the Tony Robbins Network (TRN) on Pluto for free access and hear inspiring stories and lessons learned
Listen to The Daily Motivation podcast with Lewis Howes, who gives bite size motivational stories from his interviews every day. If you want to hear the full interviews you can listen to his School of Greatness podcast, which is available in english and spanish.
Need some financial planning help? Below are some people you can learn from
Read David Bach's latest book "The Automatic Millionaire" or his "Start Late, Finish Rich" book. Look at your local library in person or via the library app to see which books are available to you for free. Or go to his website here.
List to the Ramsey Show, where you can call in and ask your financial questions and listen to other stories and get ideas on how to improve your own situation. Find specific information on the Ramsey Solutions website here.
Sign up for Suze Orman's newsletter or listen to her podcast from her website here.
When it comes to your health, small habits matter. Prioritize good sleep, stay as active as you can, and work closely with your physician and nephrologist to get guidance that fits your needs.
Quick Recap of 6 new kidney disease medications approved in 2025
In 2025, the FDA authorized six new medications for kidney disease, each targeting specific causes of kidney damage. These advances may slow disease progression and help protect kidney function, representing exciting progress for many people in our kidney community.
1. Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
What it is: Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication that works like a natural hormone to help control blood sugar and reduce strain on the kidneys and heart.
Why it’s important: In people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, it may slow kidney disease progression, lower the risk of kidney failure, and reduce the chance of heart‑related death.
2. Voyxact for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
What it is: Voyxact is a monoclonal antibody given as an injection every four weeks that targets a protein called APRIL that tells the body to produce IgA proteins that accumulate in IgAN. Why it’s important: It can reduce harmful IgA buildup, lower protein in the urine, and decrease kidney inflammation.
3. Fabhalta for Complement 3 Glomerulopathy (C3G)
What it is: Fabhalta is a complement inhibitor that calms an overactive part of the immune system that damages the kidneys in C3G.
Why it’s important: It helps lower protein in the urine and reduce kidney inflammation.
4. Empaveli for C3G and Primary Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)
What it is: Empaveli is another complement inhibitor approved for people ages 12 and older with C3G or IC‑MPGN.
Why it’s important: It helps lower protein in the urine, stabilize kidney function, and reduce immune system overactivity.
5. Vanrafia for IgAN
What it is: Vanrafia is an oral medication that blocks endothelin, a hormone that increases pressure and stress in the kidneys.
Why it’s important: It helps reduce protein in the urine as well as lower kidney stress and swelling.
6. Gazyva for Lupus Nephritis
What it is: Gazyva is an IV infusion that targets specific immune cells involved in kidney inflammation in the autoimmune disease, lupus.
Why it’s important: When added to standard treatment, it helps maintain or even improve kidney function as well as reducing protein in the urine.
Winter Storm Preparation for Dialysis
Winter storms can sometimes make travel difficult or cause power outages. If you depend on regular dialysis, these situations can be especially stressful. Planning ahead can help make sure you continue to get the care you need during an emergency. Here are 5 steps you can take to prepare:
Prepare medications. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications and dosages with you, maintain a two-week supply at home (and at work if applicable), and regularly check and replace expired items.
Make a communication plan. Have a landline that works during power outages. Conserve battery on your cell phone and use a car charger, if needed. Wear a medical emblem that clearly identifies your condition and treatment so medical staff can quickly understand your needs.
Make a copy of medical and insurance information. Keep updated copies of your medical and insurance information at home and at work (if applicable). Include phone numbers for your doctor, emergency contacts, and dialysis center.
Collect emergency supplies. Keep emergency supplies in a safe place, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and an emergency phone list. In case you need to evacuate, prepare a backpack or go bag with a copy of your medical and insurance information, at least 3 days’ worth of medications and supplies, and a 3 Day Emergency Diet, in case you must miss dialysis (Examples can be found here and here).
Make a dialysis plan. The type of dialysis you receive will affect how you prepare:
In‑Center Hemodialysis
Have a backup plan: Know alternative dialysis units and hospitals in case you cannot reach your usual center, or it is not operating. Keep their contact information, and plan how to get there if transportation is disrupted.
Be prepared for disruptions: Follow emergency diet guidance (see below) if treatments are delayed. Please note that dialysis schedules or treatment length may change during a disaster.
Home Hemodialysis
Prepare your home setup: Keep a two-week supply of dialysis materials. Make a list of dialysis centers near your home in the event you need to seek an alternative.
Prepare for power outages: Be comfortable disconnecting yourself from the dialysis machine in an emergency. Contact your provider or home training team if you cannot continue dialysis. You can also register with your power and water companies so they can be aware of your needs.
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Keep backup supplies and medications: Maintain at least a two-week supply of PD supplies, keep equipment batteries charged, if applicable, and have a doctor-prescribed antibiotic on hand in case of peritonitis.
Prepare for power outages: If you use a cycler, know how to perform manual CAPD exchanges or safely stop dialysis if your cycler cannot be used. You can also register with your power and water companies so they can be aware of your needs.
For additional, more specific guidance, the National Kidney Foundation offers detailed guidance for people with diabetes or transplant recipients.
Know someone who could use a kidney health boost and a smile? Share this newsletter and help them stay inspired and informed!
Copyright © 2026 | Life4ward, LLC | All rights reserved.
Comments