Increasing health awareness for Black chronic kidney disease patients of African descent
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** Black patients of African descent about their risk of 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
Minimize health disparity – This no-cost* testing program for eligible** patients allows providers to help underserved communities of Black patients of African descent better understand whether they are at risk of a rapidly progressive disease that may threaten their health.
Improve disease awareness – Until now, some people living with CKD have been unaware that they may have AMKD. The presence of two APOL1 risk variants provides a 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.
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.
Sign up to participate in our APOL1 Genotyping Program.
Our Clinical Program Coordinator will help guide you through the setup and testing process.
Program is sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and is available at no cost* to eligible** patients.
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, no history of kidney transplant, not have diabetes and must not be currently being treated with dialysis.
References: 1. Martins D, Agodoa L, Norris K. Kidney disease in disadvantaged populations. Int J Nephrol. 2012;2012:469265. doi: 10.1155/2012/469265. Epub 2012 Apr 9. PMID: 22567281; PMCID: PMC3332203. 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. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1310345. Epub 2013 Nov 9. PMID: 24206458; PMCID: PMC3969022. 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). doi: 10.1038/ng.232. 4. Freedman, B., Cohen, A. Hypertension-attributed nephropathy: what’s in a name? Nat Rev Nephrol. 12, 27–36 (2016). doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2015.172.