Why does chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) remain so difficult to define, study, and prevent? In this episode, experts from the ISN i3C Working Group unpack the research gaps that continue to slow progress and discuss what is needed to move the field forward. Ben Caplin, Magdalena Madero, Eranga Wijewickrama, and Shuchi Anand* highlight gaps...
Kidney International® Tiny warriors, big impact: targeted immunotherapy in kidney diseases This review examines whether emerging B cell-targeting immunotherapies, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and T-cell engagers, could improve outcomes in autoimmune kidney diseases where current treatments often fail. It summarizes early evidence, mainly from small uncontrolled studies in systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting these approaches may achieve deeper B-cell depletion...
“With this initiative, we shall be able to train at least two nephrologists every year and create a platform for other institutions to take up the mantle." CARE-NEPH East Africa* was launched in answer to a simple question: What becomes possible when training, institutional partnerships, and leadership development are coordinated rather than delivered separately? In East Africa, that approach is already creating new opportunities...
As part of its broader engagement during the World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva from May 18 to 23, 2026, the ISN will contribute to two side events on May 20, including an important milestone: the first official WHA side event for which the society was invited to submit a proposal. Taking place just days before the first anniversary of the WHO kidney health resolution's approval, discussions at WHA79 will build on...
The WCN’26 interviews with abstract award winners offer a snapshot of the ideas, methods, and questions shaping kidney care today. Alongside their findings, several winners noted the value of ISN Grant opportunities in supporting their research. Masaya Muto (Japan), winner of the Young Nephrologists Best Abstract Award: Basic Science, highlighted a novel automated immunoassay designed to detect anti-nephrin autoantibodies with high sensitivity. His team’s...
Can lower-exposure tacrolimus plus everolimus improve outcomes in older kidney transplant recipients? Could high-dose omega-3 supplementation offer a simple way to reduce cardiovascular risk in dialysis? Might a more conservative dialysis strategy actually help support kidney recovery? Available in English and Russian, the ISN TrialWatch Special Edition offers a curated look at selected randomized kidney care trials from 2025 and early 2026. Explore...
Jai Radhakrishnan named Editor-in-Chief of Kidney International® May 7, 2026 The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jai Radhakrishnan, MD, as the next Editor-in-Chief of Kidney International® (KI), the Society’s flagship journal. His term will begin on January 1, 2027, succeeding Pierre Ronco, MD, PhD. Dr. Radhakrishnan is a Professor of...
Primary care is often the first point of contact for people with emerging health concerns, making primary care physicians central to the early detection and long-term management of kidney disease. Early identification in these settings is critical, as many kidney diseases are diagnosed at later stages, while timely intervention can slow progression and improve outcomes. The ISN has...
Participants at the ISN Affiliated meeting held during WCN’26 At WCN’26, the ISN Affiliated Societies Meeting brought together representatives from 30 national and regional nephrology societies* to discuss, network, and exchange on shared challenges and priorities in kidney health. The meeting, opened by ISN President Marcello Tonelli, was also the occasion for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the...
From unusual presentations and diagnostic dilemmas to novel treatment approaches, the first in press case reports featured in Kidney International Case Reports™ (KICR) highlight clinically relevant lessons from real-world kidney care across diverse global settings. Explore the first edition Among the early reports are cases that underline how rapidly evolving therapies are reshaping practice. Al Haddad...
ISN member Kristin Veighey presents at the ISN-EFIM joint session at ECIM 2026 At the European Congress of Internal Medicine (ECIM) 2026, the ISN and the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM) held a joint session highlighting the importance of kidney health in internal medicine. Janaka Karalliedde speaks at the ISN-EFIM joint session at ECIM...
Kidney International® A secondary analysis of the TESTING trial predicted individual patient response to corticosteroid treatment in IgA nephropathy This study addressed how to better target corticosteroid treatment in IgA nephropathy, (IgAN) where benefits must be weighed against important side effects. Using a secondary analysis of the TESTING trial, the authors developed a model to predict each patient’s likely response to...
The ISN’s impact depends on the time, expertise, and commitment of volunteers across its global network. As new terms begin, the ISN is pleased to welcome incoming chairs, deputy chairs, and members to several of its committees and working groups for the 2026 to 2028 term. We look forward to their contributions in the...
April 30, 2026 The ISN welcomes the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) launch of a dedicated kidney disease webpage, a significant step in recognizing kidney disease as a major noncommunicable disease (NCD) and global health priority. This development highlights kidney disease’s rightful place on the global health agenda and provides an important reference point for raising awareness...
What if better research approaches could help take the “unknown” out of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu)? Launched at WCN’26, the new ISN i3C CKDu Toolkit* is designed to help build research capacity in CKDu-endemic regions by strengthening study design and implementation through consistent approaches to case definitions, exposure assessment, and outcome measurement. Explore the ISN i3C Toolkit It offers practical guidance to strengthen the rigor,...
From unmet needs in immune-mediated kidney diseases to therapeutic advances in C3G, WCN’26 Industry Sessions explored some of the most pressing topics in global kidney care today. Session recordings are open access and available on demand at the ISN Academy. Explore all industry symposia at the ISN Academy Discover dozens of sessions offering fresh perspectives on emerging science and new developments to help you stay up to date...
Khaled Batis’ colleagues in Al-Mukalla, marking the establishment of the first diagnostic kidney biopsy service in eastern Yemen ISN Fellow, Khaled Batis, from Yemen, and his team at the Al-Mukalla Kidney Center and the Al-Borj Consultant Hospital, have helped establish the first kidney biopsy service in eastern Yemen. According to Dr. Batis, this service provides access to “a crucial diagnostic tool for glomerular and other complex kidney diseases in the region.” Such initiatives from...
Ten years ago, Kidney International Reports® (KIR) launched with a clear mission: to expand access to high-quality kidney research and ensure that important discoveries reach clinicians, researchers, and health systems worldwide. Over the past decade, the journal has published studies that have shaped care and policy, fostered opportunities for early-career researchers to contribute and collaborate, and elevated voices...
As kidney care moves toward earlier molecular diagnosis and more precise treatment strategies, genomic insights are becoming increasingly relevant to everyday practice. Reflecting this shift, the newest ISN Academy Genetics Curriculum modules focus on topics ranging from congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract to apolipoprotein L1 nephropathy. Explore the ISN Genetics Curriculum The curriculum also features five...
NephJC has extended the conversation around WCN’26 late-breaking trials with expert commentary on selected studies presented in Yokohama, including the ASSIST trial, 24-month data from APPLAUSE-IGAN, and new analyses from the CONFIDENCE trial. Read the commentaries A video interview recorded onsite at WCN’26 in Yokohama features NephJC Founding Editor-in-Chief Swapnil Hiremath and Managing Editor Cristina Popa discussing selected late-breaking...
