The Artificial Implantable Kidney which the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is developing has one (1) core purpose: Enable patients with Chronic Kidney Failure to lead healthier and more productive lives, without external Dialysis or immune suppressant medication. Understanding that the Kidney Transplant List numbers over 100,000 patients waiting and nearly 5,000 Chronic Kidney Disease patients die while waiting for a Kidney Transplant, Lead Researcher Dr. Shuvo Roy (UCSF School of Pharmacy) said, “We can provide an alternative therapy and a treatment option that doesn't exist today for the vast majority of people today that are forced to rely on Dialysis.”  

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Many are still simply shocked that an Implantable Artificial Kidney device that can potentially treat individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease is relatively close to availability and possibly two (2) years away from real-life human trials. Very recent comments from KidneyBuzz.com viewers highlight the excitement in the community: 

•  Stephanie Hughes Leager: I would like to know more about this.
• Margaret Glose Brophy: That would be amazing!!!!!
• Jerry Rodrigues: Happy days about to come....
• Rizwan Lashari: How does it works ??
• Neharika Awal Minocha: wow!

These few comments are literally the tip of the ice berg when compared to the thousands of comments and inquires KidneyBuzz.com has received about this specific project. While most patients believe that the Artificial Implantable Kidney is promising, a 2017 date for Human Trials is too long and they would prefer this device to be available sooner. Robert Nasir (KidneyBuzz.com viewer) wrote, "What is taking so long?" Do you agree with Mr. Nasir's statement? Would you like to see the Artificial Implantable Kidney developed sooner? 

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The Artificial Implantable Kidney Research Team recently disclosed how Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients can possibly help expedite the development of the Artificial Implantable Kidney Device, "More funding would significantly help to speed up both research and development," they said. The Researchers continued, "Currently, in order to complete the next immediate set of studies, we still need to raise $250,000.00 USD. To complete Phase 2 (preclinical studies) and move on to Human Clinical Trials, we need an estimate of about $10,000,000.00 USD." 

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Now how can you, the Chronic Kidney Disease and/or Dialysis patient, help raise those exorbitant (excessive) amount of funds? Well, when asked if it is worth contacting Government Officials to request more funding for the Artificial Implantable Kidney project, the Research Team said, "Yes, absolutely!" 

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According to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President , "The President’s fiscal year 2015 Budget proposes $135.4 billion for Federal research and development (R&D) activities, an increase of $1.7 billion or 1.2 percent over FY 2014 enacted levels." Hence, perhaps if the Chronic Kidney Community were to contact Congress and request that some of these funds be directed toward the Artificial Implantable Kidney in order to enhance patient outcomes which provides an overall improvement to the patients' quality of life, we may see some progress.

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Friends, together we are mighty and should use our collective voices to bring attention to important matters to this community such as the safe and prompt development of the Artificial Implantable Kidney. Let's do it! Sign the below request to Congress asking them to consider directing a small part of the R&D budget toward the Artificial Implantable Kidney project.  

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KidneyBuzz.com will continue to keep you informed on Breaking News and Information which teaches those with Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes how to better manage and improve their lives. However, we need YOU to act so that we can collectively make progress. Share this petition with everybody you know. Ask them for their support by filling out the below request as well as continuing to share it with others. We can do it! Like KidneyBuzz.com on Facebook  and join the conversation (click here).

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References: 

Wu, Corinna. "The FY 2015 Science and Technology R&D Budget." Science News 155.6 (1999): 87. Office of Science and Technology Policy Executive Office of the President. Https://www.whitehouse.gov.

"An Implantable Artificial Kidney: Interview with UCSF's Dr. Shuvo Roy." Http://www.medgadget.com/. Medgadget LLC.

"The Artificial Kidney: Status and Next Steps - UCSF Kidney Transplant Program Update in Transplantation 2014." Http://www.uctv.tv. UCTV.

"Project Seeks to Create 'bioartificial' Kidney." Vanderbilt Research. Http://news.vanderbilt.edu.

"Artificial Kidney Holds Promise for Vast Majority on Dialysis." Http://www.ucsf.edu/. UCSF Medical Center.