What Can We Expect from the 2024 ASN Annual Meeting? Predicting Key Themes and Anticipations

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN

Unfortunately, I will not be attending ASN Kidney Week this year, but I can say that we are expecting some interesting topics to come come up.

Taken from www.ASN-online.org

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) annual meeting, Kidney Week 2024, is shaping up to be a significant event for the nephrology community. Scheduled to take place from October 24-27, 2024 in San Diego, California. The conference promises to bring together thousands of healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in kidney health. With advancements in precision medicine, breakthroughs in kidney transplantation, and evolving therapies for chronic kidney disease (CKD), this year’s meeting holds exciting potential.

1. Breakthrough Research in Kidney Disease

Participants expect to see cutting-edge studies that explore emerging treatments for kidney diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy and autoimmune-related kidney conditions. Researchers will likely present new data from clinical trials focusing on:

• SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in CKD progression.

• The role of novel gene therapies and CRISPR-based interventions for hereditary kidney diseases.

• Updates on biomarkers that offer earlier detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD.

Keynote sessions may also explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in personalizing treatment plans and identifying patients at higher risk for kidney deterioration.

2. Progress in Transplantation and Organ Regeneration

Kidney transplantation will continue to be a hot topic, with discussions expected to cover:

• Expanding donor eligibility through new protocols and technologies.

• Innovations in xenotransplantation, including recent developments using animal organs.

• Immunosuppressant-free transplant approaches and advances in tolerance induction.

Additionally, new strides in regenerative medicine, such as lab-grown kidney tissues, are anticipated to generate excitement among attendees. The conference will also emphasize the importance of reducing organ rejection and improving post-transplant quality of life.

3. Health Equity and Policy Updates

The ASN has made health equity a core part of its mission, and Kidney Week 2024 is expected to feature key sessions on addressing disparities in access to kidney care. Some of the critical policy-related topics will include:

• Improving CKD screening in underserved communities.

• Medicare policy changes and their impact on dialysis reimbursement and home care models.

• The role of community partnerships in expanding access to transplantation for minority populations.

These discussions will be particularly relevant as the field grapples with ensuring equitable care amid shifting healthcare landscapes and rising chronic disease burdens.

4. Innovation in Dialysis Therapies

Dialysis, a cornerstone of kidney care, continues to evolve. This year, participants expect insights into:

• Wearable dialysis devices and their potential to replace traditional in-clinic dialysis.

• Advances in home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis technologies.

• Research on how personalized fluid management and dietary recommendations can improve patient outcomes.

Presentations will likely reflect the ASN’s focus on transforming dialysis care to prioritize patient convenience, mobility, and quality of life.

5. Collaborations Between Academia and Industry

As pharmaceutical and device companies align with academia to develop new therapies, Kidney Week 2024 will highlight partnerships accelerating progress. Expect presentations on:

• The latest pharmaceutical pipelines targeting proteinuria and fibrosis.

• Digital health platforms designed for real-time kidney health monitoring.

• Insights into collaborative clinical trials that speed up innovation through shared resources.

The exhibit hall will also showcase a wide range of products, from diagnostic tools to dialysis equipment, offering attendees an immersive look at the latest innovations in nephrology.

6. Networking and Educational Opportunities

The ASN annual meeting is known for its extensive networking and educational programs. This year will feature:

• Workshops and hands-on training for young nephrologists.

• Mentorship programs that connect early-career professionals with leaders in the field.

• Special sessions promoting multidisciplinary collaborations among nephrologists, cardiologists, and endocrinologists.

Attendees can also expect poster sessions, symposia, and panel discussions, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and discuss challenges in kidney care.

Conclusion

Kidney Week 2024 promises to be a vibrant forum for innovation, education, and collaboration. As nephrology continues to evolve, the ASN annual meeting offers a vital platform for advancing patient care and promoting research breakthroughs. Whether it’s discovering the latest therapies for CKD, improving transplant outcomes, or addressing health disparities, Kidney Week 2024 will undoubtedly shape the future of nephrology. With its focus on cutting-edge science and patient-centered care, the meeting is set to leave a lasting impact on the kidney health community and beyond.

Stay tuned as the nephrology world converges in Philadelphia for what is sure to be an exciting and impactful event!