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NephCure, a leading nonprofit organization fighting to ensure that all individuals with rare, protein-spilling kidney disease have equitable access to the care and treatments that offer them the best kidney health outcome possible, is proud to celebrate the third annual APOL1 Kidney Disease Awareness Day, on April 28, 2026. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of APOL1 kidney disease, which is a genetic form of kidney disease that disproportionately affects people of African ancestry.
Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) kidney disease is caused by specific variants in the APOL1 gene that can led to an increased risk of developing kidney disease. These variants are believed to have originated in populations in West Africa, where they developed thousands of years ago as protection against certain parasitic diseases.
APOL1 kidney disease disproportionately impacts individuals of African ancestry:
- African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, but account for nearly 35% of people with kidney failure in the U.S.
- 1 in 8 African Americans are at risk of a genetic form of kidney disease (caused by the APOL1 gene mutations).
- APOL1 kidney disease is particularly aggressive and currently has no FDA-approved treatments.
- Approximately 40% of African Americans on dialysis have kidney failure caused by APOL1.
Because individuals who inherit certain APOL1 variants may face a higher risk of developing kidney disease, education, awareness, and advocacy are critical to enabling early detection, improving outcomes, and advancing equitable access to care.
In honor of APOL1 Awareness Day, NephCure has launched a multi-channel awareness campaign designed to empower the nephrology community with accessible, up-to-date information on APOL1kidney disease. The initiative highlights critical resources, including genetic testing, care pathways, and emerging treatment options, to support informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Get Involved:
NephCure invites everyone to spread awareness on social media by downloading the toolkit. The toolkit allows the public to share APOL1 kidney disease awareness graphics and patient stories on social media channels.
For those living with APOL1 Kidney Disease, we encourage you to raise your voice and help drive meaningful change in access to care and treatment. By sharing your story, you can help drive progress in how this disease is understood and treated. This APOL1 Awareness Day, April 28, we’re unveiling a unique opportunity to connect directly with the researchers and decision-makers who are shaping the future of APOL1 care. Sign up to be the first to learn how you can get involved, haga clic aquí.
To learn more about APOL1 Kidney Disease Awareness Day, and NephCure’s APOL1 awareness efforts, please visit NephCure.org/APOL1-Awareness-Day-2026
About NephCure:
NephCure’s mission is to ensure that all individuals with rare, protein-spilling kidney disease have equitable access to the care and treatments that offer them the best kidney health outcome possible. Founded in 2000 by a group of committed patient parents, NephCure has invested more than $40 million in kidney disease research and helped create a landscape where there are now new treatments and more than 60 interventional drug trials for rare kidney diseases. NephCure is a U.S. tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.
