Increasing health awareness for chronic kidney disease patients of African ancestry
Increasing health awareness for Black chronic kidney disease patients of African descent
The Labcorp APOL1 Genotyping Program*
The Labcorp APOL1 Genotyping Program may help your patients of African ancestry take a step towards a better understanding of a rapidly progressive form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may threaten their health, as well as the health of their family. This new no-cost* program can help inform your eligible** patients
of African ancestry whether their CKD is, in fact, APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and what it may mean for their prognosis. Increased awareness about AMKD may support improved and equitable treatment.
Health equity for AMKD patients
Black patients with CKD often experience health disparities related to kidney disease.1 Some researchers suggest that conditions associated with socioeconomic deprivation (such as discrimination and residential segregation) may contribute to the progression of CKD to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).1,2
AMKD also plays a role in this health disparity for Black patients with CKD. Research finds that AMKD accounts for ~70% of non-diabetic kidney disease and up to 40% of kidney failure among African Americans.3,4
How APOL1 genotyping may help your patients and their families
Improve disease awareness – The no-cost* APOL1 genotyping program for eligible** patients may help identify the presence of two APOL1 risk variants, driving definitive diagnosis of AMKD.
Provide information to patients – Understanding their APOL1 status provides patients knowledge about their health to make more informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Minimize health disparity – The APOL1 genotyping program can assist providers to help underserved communities better understand their CKD prognosis and management.
Helping patients better understand their CKD
Patients living with chronic kidney disease may feel that they are to blame for their diagnosis. Understanding their APOL1 status can give patients much-needed peace of mind.
Participation in the APOL1 Genotyping Program may provide clarity for improved disease management decisions for your eligible** patients.
Participate in our no-cost* APOL1 Genotyping Program.
Program is sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and is available at no cost* to eligible** patients.
For any questions, contact our Clinical Program Coordinator at 855-610-6115.
Learn more: Download brochure | Speak with our Clinical Program Coordinator
*Vertex Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring this APOL1 Genotyping Program in collaboration with Labcorp, who will perform APOL1 genotyping and make genetic counseling available for eligible patients at no cost.
**Eligible patients are those of African ancestry who may self-identify as Black, African American, African, or Afro-Caribbean. Patients must have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, absence of diabetes and no history of dialysis or kidney transplant. This test is available in all US states, except for New York.
References: 1. Martins D, Agodoa L, Norris K. Kidney disease in disadvantaged populations. Int J Nephrol. 2012;2012:469265. 2. Parsa A et al; AASK Study Investigators; CRIC Study Investigators. APOL1 risk variants, race, and progression of chronic kidney disease. N Engl J Med. 2013 Dec 5;369(23):2183-96. 3. Kao, W., Klag, M., Meoni, L. et al. MYH9 is associated with nondiabetic end-stage renal disease in African Americans. Nat Genet. 40, 1185–1192 (2008). 4. Freedman, B., Cohen, A. Hypertension-attributed nephropathy: what’s in a name? Nat Rev Nephrol. 12, 27–36 (2016).