Two prominent nephrologists have launched a groundbreaking podcast aimed at helping healthcare professionals navigate the increasingly complex landscape of nephrology clinical trials. The new HCPLive podcast series, "Kidney Compass: Navigating Clinical Trials," is co-hosted by Brendon Neuen, MBBS, PhD, and Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, bringing their extensive clinical and research expertise to the forefront of nephrology education.
Expert Leadership at the Helm
Dr. Wadhwani serves as the Director of Clinical Trials in the Division of Nephrology and Vice Chair of Clinical Research in the Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Her background includes establishing the glomerular disease program at Northwestern University, demonstrating her commitment to advancing kidney care through clinical research.
Dr. Neuen brings his perspective as the director of the Kidney Trials Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital and senior research fellow at The George Institute for Global Health. His experience treating Indigenous populations in northern Australia has shaped his dedication to public health and equitable access to innovative therapies.
Addressing Critical Needs in Nephrology
The podcast emerges at a crucial time in nephrology, as the field experiences rapid advancement in therapeutic options for conditions such as glomerular disease and diabetic kidney disease. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding complex trial designs, evolving endpoints, and statistical methodologies that are becoming increasingly sophisticated in nephrology research.
"The landscape of nephrology clinical trials is evolving rapidly, with new FDA-approved therapies emerging from rigorous clinical studies," notes Dr. Wadhwani. "Our goal is to make this information accessible and actionable for healthcare providers."
Future Direction and Coverage
The podcast will feature interviews with leading trialists in nephrology, providing insights into cutting-edge research and therapeutic developments. Special coverage is planned for the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney Week 2024, where the hosts will explore emerging trends and breakthrough studies in the field.
Transparency in Expert Commentary
In the interest of transparency, both hosts have disclosed their relevant relationships with industry partners. Dr. Neuen has associations with pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Janssen. Dr. Wadhwani's disclosures include relationships with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, GSK, Calliditas, and Travere Therapeutics.
