Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the launch of the KidneyX Sustainability Prize, a $7.25 million initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability of kidney care. This challenge, part of the Kidney Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX), seeks to identify and support solutions that reduce water and power consumption in maintenance dialysis.
Current dialysis technology requires substantial amounts of water and electricity, posing risks to patients during resource shortages. Hemodialysis globally consumes billions of liters of water and kilowatt hours annually, with up to 70% of water being rejected during filtration.
"Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, and wildfires are leaving patients without access to critical dialysis care — putting their very lives at risk," said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel L. Levine, M.D. "With support from our partners, HHS is addressing the urgent need to invest in transformational treatment innovations for kidney diseases."
While future therapies like artificial kidneys hold promise, immediate solutions are needed for those currently living with kidney failure. The challenge invites proposals from various innovators including patients, healthcare providers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Participants must submit solution summaries and technical proposals by October 30, 2024.
A multidisciplinary panel will review submissions based on six equally weighted criteria. Up to seven winners may be selected to share the $7.25 million prize pool. Winners are expected to be announced in early 2025.
Through its public-private partnership with the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), HHS aims to transform treatment for over 850 million people worldwide affected by kidney diseases. KidneyX has previously awarded more than $17 million across six competitions to accelerate innovation in this field.
An informational session about the challenge will be held virtually on September 25, 2024.
About KidneyX:
KidneyX is a public-private partnership between HHS and ASN focused on accelerating innovation in kidney disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
About HHS:
HHS enhances health and well-being through effective health services and scientific advancements in medicine, public health, and social services.
About ASN:
Since 1966, ASN has been dedicated to preventing and treating kidney diseases through education, research advancement, new knowledge dissemination, and advocacy for high-quality patient care.
