WALTHAM and BOSTON — (APRIL 15, 2014) — Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS), North America’s leading provider of kidney care services, and Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., the world's preeminent diabetes research, clinical care and education organization, announced an agreement today to jointly develop renal care programs in select Joslin Affiliated Centers for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). 

Fresenius Medical Care and Joslin will jointly develop clinical guidelines and effective care delivery systems to manage high blood pressure, glucose, and nutrition in patients with DKD. In addition, the organizations will help educate patients as they prepare for the possibility of end stage renal disease (ESRD) and the necessity for dialysis or kidney transplantation.   Fresenius Medical Care and Joslin’s multidisciplinary and coordinated approach to chronic disease management will seek to improve patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary or lengthy hospitalizations, drug interactions and overall morbidity and mortality associated with uncoordinated care. 

“Identifying and treating individuals with chronic kidney disease, especially those with diabetes, as early as possible can help us improve health outcomes for patients and lower costs for the health care system,” said Ron Kuerbitz, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care North America. “But even more exciting is what this research can mean for the future.  We hope that bringing together the world leaders in diabetes research and kidney care will lay the foundation for future therapeutic breakthroughs.”

“We are excited to partner with Fresenius Medical Care,” said John L. Brooks III, President and CEO of Joslin Diabetes Center.  “Kidney disease is one of the most devastating complications of diabetes. Together with Fresenius we hope to make real progress in improving the care of patients with DKD.”

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and ESRD combined are estimated to affect more than 13 percent of the U.S. population, and diabetes is the leading cause of ESRD.  The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 3 adults in this country will have diabetes by 2050 if today’s trends continue.  These alarming statistics underscore the importance of the Fresenius Medical Care-Joslin collaboration and the development of clinical guidelines to manage care for patients who have both of these complex, chronic diseases.  

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