Join KHI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI)?
The Kidney Health Initiative was established in September 2012 under a Memorandum of Understanding between the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Up to 35.5 million Americans have kidney diseases, and more than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure. In the past decade, not enough new drugs have been approved to treat kidney diseases. Moreover, certain products on the market treating other organs and conditions may have adverse side effects on kidney health, raising serious patient safety concerns. There are also significant racial and ethnic health disparities at every stage of kidney disease. As the public health implications and economic burdens of kidney disease continue to grow, the care and safety of these patients warrant increased attention. KHI will help the nephrology community collaborate to improve patient safety and develop novel therapies.

KHI is a collaborative environment for all stakeholders in the kidney community to help foster development of optimum therapies for diseases that affect the kidney. Members may include:
  • Patient organizations
  • Health professional organizations
  • Research Institutions
  • Foundations
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
  • Device manufacturers
  • Dialysis providers
  • US and international government agencies
Refer to the membership page for more information on the application process.

Visit the membership page for more information on the application process.

Any organization that joined KHI between September 27, 2012, and December 31, 2013, is designated as a visionary “Pioneer Member” for the duration of the organization’s participation in KHI.
KHI is funded through its member dues. In addition, KHI receives funding from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a five-year, renewable R18 cooperative agreement. No ASN membership dues are allocated to the KHI budget.

Do you have a general inquiry? Do you have an idea for a project or would like to join a project work group? You can contact KHI here.