NewsRSS2 days ago
This article is a quiz that tests your knowledge about what causes FSGS, a rare kidney disease. FSGS stands for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which means parts of the kidney's filtering units become scarred and stop working properly. Taking this quiz can help you learn more about the different reasons someone might develop this condition.
WHY IT MATTERSUnderstanding the different causes of FSGS is important because the underlying cause affects which treatments your doctor might recommend and how your condition may progress.
ResearchPUBMEDApr 5
Researchers looked at studies from 2014 to 2024 about the cost and value of special medicines for rare kidney diseases in poorer countries. They found that there isn't much research on whether these expensive medicines are worth the money in these areas. The study shows that doctors and governments need better information to decide if patients should have access to these treatments.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you have a rare kidney disease in a low- or middle-income country, this research highlights why your access to orphan drugs is limited — there's a major gap in evidence about whether these treatments are affordable and effective in your region.
Clinical trialUNITERAREApr 5
Researchers are testing a new drug called ManNAc to treat primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that causes scarring and can lead to kidney failure. This is a Phase 2 trial, meaning the drug has already been tested for safety in a small group and now researchers want to see if it actually works to help patients. The trial is now accepting patients and is expected to start in April 2026.
WHY IT MATTERSThis trial offers patients with primary FSGS access to an investigational treatment that may slow or stop kidney damage, with enrollment now open at sites participating in the National Human Genome Research Institute study.
Clinical trialCLINICALTRIALSMar 26
Researchers across 7 European countries are working together to develop better ways to diagnose two rare kidney diseases: atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3G). This study is enrolling 180 people, including patients with these conditions and healthy volunteers, to test new diagnostic tools that could help doctors identify these diseases more quickly and accurately.
WHY IT MATTERSThis trial is developing improved diagnostic tests for aHUS and C3G, which could help patients get diagnosed faster and start treatment sooner—critical since these complement-mediated kidney diseases can cause permanent kidney damage if left untreated.
Clinical trialCLINICALTRIALSMar 26
Researchers are testing a new genetic tool called RNA-Seq to help diagnose rare diseases in children and adults whose current genetic tests came back negative. This tool looks at how genes are turned on and off in cells, which can reveal problems that standard DNA testing misses. The study will first test the tool in healthy people and those with known genetic conditions, then use it to try to diagnose patients with undiagnosed rare diseases.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you have a child or family member with symptoms of a rare kidney or genetic disease but genetic testing hasn't found answers, this trial could offer a new diagnostic pathway that standard tests have missed.