End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients typically receive little attention from researchers. But CSL is running one of two active interventional clinical trials for ESKD, a patient population whose kidneys are so impaired that they need dialysis or a transplant.
Kidneys are essential for filtering the blood and producing urine. When someone has ESKD, their kidneys are failing. Visiting dialysis centers about three times a week significantly impacts their daily lives. Additionally, people with ESKD are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events, regardless of their age.
Watch the video above to hear from patients about the challenges they face.
CSL’s research trial involves about 2,100 patients across 34 countries and 585 research sites. This event-driven trial aims to demonstrate a clinically significant reduction in cardiovascular outcomes with the potential treatment compared to the standard of care.
More than 2.4 million ESKD patients received treatment across multiple countries, according to a 2016 estimate. Another 2019 survey reported more than 700,000 ESKD patients were treated in the United States alone.
CSL made the video, in collaboration with the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation, to share with patients and train health care professionals. Hearing from patients already participating in a clinical trial can help answer questions potential participants may have about the process.
"Research is a team sport," said CSL’s Dr. Anna Marie Chang, Director, Global Clinical Program Leader. "The study and program teams collaborated on this project with care, compassion and dedication. The video provides a snapshot of what patients endure with ESKD and reassures them that they are not alone."
For health care professionals, the video offers insights into how it feels to be a patient with ESKD and participate in a clinical trial.
"As a patient-centric organization, this video emphasizes patients' critical role in clinical trials. Not only do they participate, but they also share their experiences to help others consider joining a trial and provide valuable perspectives to health care professionals,” said Jeremy Casey, Director, Clinical Portfolio Execution for CSL. “The video also reminds us why we’re here at CSL: to make a difference and improve the lives of patients.”
