News & Research
Health Research
Art on Dialysis: how creativity is supporting wellbeing during treatment
A new NHS Highland initiative called Art on Dialysis brings an artist in residence to a renal unit, offering kidney patients creative activity during their long treatment sessions and addressing the emotional challenges of dialysis.
Kidney peer educators: Peterborough pilot to reach at-risk communities
Kidney Research UK is recruiting kidney peer educators in Peterborough to help Eastern European and South Asian communities spot the signs of kidney disease early, in a pilot that could expand UK-wide.
New kidney treatments: promising advances for CKD patients in 2026
A March 2026 Scientific American report highlights new kidney treatments emerging from research into diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and smarter diagnostics. We look at what these advances could mean for CKD patients.
Could a small skin patch from a donor help detect transplant rejection earlier?
For anyone who has received a transplant, or who is waiting for one, the fear of rejection is something that stays with you. After the initial relief of receiving a new organ, the reality of long-term monitoring begins: regular blood...
Would astronauts’ kidneys survive a roundtrip to Mars?
UCL space kidney research reveals that galactic radiation could cause permanent kidney damage on a Mars mission. We explore what this means for kidney patients on Earth.
NHS Launches Programme to Help More Donated Kidneys Reach Patients
The NHS is launching a machine organ preservation programme that could enable 345 more kidney transplants a year by extending the assessment window for donated organs. We explain what this means for kidney patients.
Kidney transplant MRI scans could help assess donor organs before surgery
Oxford researchers are testing kidney transplant MRI scanning to assess donor organs more accurately before surgery. We explain what the ADMIRE trial means for kidney patients.
Pig Kidney Transplant Research: What It Could Mean for Kidney Patients
A patient in the US received a pig kidney transplant that functioned for months as a bridge while he waited for a human donor. We explain what xenotransplantation research could mean for kidney patients.
New Antibody Therapy Offers Hope for Polycystic Kidney Disease
Scientists have developed a new PKD antibody therapy showing early promise in slowing and reversing kidney cyst growth. We explain what this could mean for people living with polycystic kidney disease.
Kidney Organoid Research: Insights and Future Potential
Kidney organoid research helps scientists study how kidney disease develops at a cellular level and test new treatments. We explain what these findings could mean for patients.
New research explores ways to protect kidneys from sudden injury
New research has identified how kidney cells are damaged during acute kidney injury and points towards protective pathways that could reduce harm. We explain what this means for kidney patients.
New Manchester study looks at reducing side effects from dialysis treatment
A Manchester study is exploring whether a medical device could reduce common dialysis side effects including fatigue, low blood pressure and headaches. We explain what this could mean for kidney patients.
Researchers create genetic map tied to kidney disease
New research from Penn Medicine reveals over 1,000 genes linked to kidney disease, offering hope for better diagnoses and targeted treatments for kidney patients.
United Therapeutics’ Gene-Edited Kidney Xenotranspant UKidney Cleared for US Trial
United Therapeutics has received FDA clearance to test UKidney, a gene-edited pig kidney designed for human transplant. The first trials are expected to begin in 2025.
Making kidney tests work for everyone
For decades, kidney function tests used a race correction that delayed diagnosis for Black patients. The medical community is now fixing this critical equity issue.
New trial to test potential treatment for chronic kidney disease
The EASi-KIDNEY trial is investigating whether vicadrostat combined with empagliflozin can slow kidney disease progression better than existing treatments.
More families refusing to donate relatives’ organs
Family refusal rates for organ donation are rising, leaving hundreds of kidney patients on waiting lists. Open conversations about donation can help change this.
Transplant footballers lace up for first world cup
England's transplant recipients are preparing for the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in Italy, proving that life after organ transplant is full and active.
Surprising mechanism of lupus kidney damage identified
A groundbreaking study reveals innate lymphoid cells may be the primary drivers of lupus kidney damage, offering new insights for treatment.
Novartis receives FDA accelerated approval for Fabhalta®
Novartis receives FDA accelerated approval for Fabhalta, a breakthrough treatment offering new hope for IgA nephropathy patients.
Diabetes fuelling kidney disease timebomb as transplant list at a high
Type 2 diabetes is fuelling a kidney disease crisis in the UK, with transplant lists at their highest in a decade.
To regenerate the kidney, please don’t pass the salt
Groundbreaking research shows that reducing salt intake can trigger kidney regeneration in mice, offering promising new treatment possibilities.
New therapy proven effective against rejection in kidney transplantation
Medical University of Vienna announces vital 2024 breakthrough: new therapy proves highly effective against kidney transplant rejection in trials.
Ozempic: trial data show benefits for kidney disease
FLOW trial results 2024: semaglutide shows promising benefits for kidney disease protection and improvement in transplant patients.
Arm skin patch system could warn of organ rejection
Breakthrough 2024 skin patch technology detects organ rejection early. New sentinel patch worn on arm provides vital transplant monitoring.
Latest MRIKPA News
Oldest Kidney Donor at 84: Record Breaking at Manchester Royal Infirmary
Graham Sisson, 84, became the UK's oldest kidney donor when he gave his kidney to his son-in-law at Manchester Royal Infirmary. We explore what this remarkable story means for kidney patients and living donation.
Come along to our First Casual Manchester Park Walk on Thurs April 23rd
MRIKPA's first Greater Manchester Casual Park Walks are here. Join kidney patients, family, friends and carers for an informal, pressure-free stroll at Wythenshawe Park on Thursday 23rd April and Thursday 14th May, 2 to 4pm. All welcome - no need...
Could Lab-Grown “Bodyoids” Change the Future for Kidney Patients?
Scientists have grown lab-made structures called bodyoids containing multiple human organs, which could one day provide a new source of transplant kidneys. We explain what this means for patients.
New Blood Pressure Guidance for Kidney Patients
The UK Kidney Association has released new blood pressure guidance to help kidney patients manage their condition more effectively. We explain what the updated recommendations mean in practice.
How MRIKPA members are enjoying the Spring weather
Embracing Life with Renal Health Challenges: Support & Inspiration from MRIKPA As members of the Manchester Royal Infirmary Kidney Patients’ Association (MRIKPA), we understand the unique challenges of living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Whether you’re a patient, carer, or...
The MRI – A Lifeline for CKD Patients
Renal Care at Manchester Royal Infirmary Living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents daily challenges, but for patients at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), expert care and a strong support network provide reassurance and hope. As a patient-run organisation, MRIKPA understands...
NICE Rejects Sparsentan for IgA Nephropathy: What It Means for Kidney Patients
NICE has rejected sparsentan for IgA nephropathy patients in England due to cost-effectiveness concerns. We explain what this means and what treatment options remain for people living with IgA nephropathy.
Calls for Clearer Fasting Guidance for Kidney Patients
At MRIKPA, we know that many of our members carefully manage their diets to support their kidney health. But what happens when fasting is part of your lifestyle—whether for religious, medical, or personal reasons? A new call from experts highlights...
World Kidney Day 2025 & Harmony for Hope: A Celebration of Awareness and Music
Raising Kidney Health Awareness on World Kidney Day Each year, World Kidney Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of kidney health and the challenges faced by those living with kidney disease. Taking place on Thursday, 13 March...
Adidas Manchester Marathon 2025: A Celebration of Sport, Community, and Fundraising
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s premier long-distance running events, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to the city each year. Known for its fast, flat course and incredible atmosphere, the marathon showcases Manchester’s vibrant spirit and...
BTS NHSBT Annual Congress 2025 – Brighton, 12-14 March
BTS NHSBT Annual Congress 2025 – Brighton, 12-14 March The BTS NHSBT Annual Congress 2025 is taking place from 12 to 14 March at The Brighton Centre, Brighton. This important event brings together clinicians, scientists, allied health professionals, and experts...
Accessing the Renal Dialysis Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary: A Guide for Patients and Visitors
MRI Renal Department Accessibility Information from AccessAble At MRIKPA, we recognise the importance of reliable and accessible information for kidney patients requiring regular dialysis. AccessAble provides a comprehensive guide on the accessibility of the Renal Dialysis Unit at Manchester...
Find out more about Organ Donation
Organ Donation: Make Your Wishes Known Organ Donation Week is a crucial awareness campaign that shines a light on the importance of organ donation and encourages open conversations about life-saving decisions. At MRIKPA, we understand how vital organ transplants are...
Join us for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2025 in Oxford!
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games are back for 2025, and we’re calling on all kidney transplant recipients, donors, and supporters to get involved! Taking place in the historic city of Oxford from 31st July to 3rd August 2025, the...
World Kidney Day 2025
World Kidney Day 2025 celebrates early detection and kidney health. Join the global movement – get tested, share your story, and protect your kidneys.
New AI Tool May Boost Success for Kidney Transplant Patients
A Breakthrough in Kidney Transplant Prediction For those living with kidney disease and waiting for a transplant, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. But a newly developed artificial intelligence tool, the UK Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant Outcome Prediction (UK-DTOP) tool, is...
Would YOU donate a kidney if the NHS paid you £35,000?
NHS kidney donation payment scheme 2024 offers vital compensation to living donors. New scheme recognizes organ donor contributions.
‘I donated a kidney to my son-in-law’
Lesley Harrison's inspiring story of donating a kidney to her son-in-law shows the power of living donation in transforming lives.
Artwork to honour organ donors and their families
New organ donor artwork celebrates the stories of donors and recipients. Powerful visual campaigns raise awareness of 2024 donation initiatives.
Revisiting Patient Stories | My Kidney Transplant Experience (2013)
My Kidney Transplant Experiencehttps://mrikpa.org.uk/wp-admin/edit.php By: Dorothy Shelley, Sunnyside, New York My family and I did not recognize the symptoms initially, so I wasn’t diagnosed with kidney disease until the age of 12. Nine years later on January 18, 1983, at...
Patient articles of interest
Kidney transplant MRI scans could help assess donor organs before surgery
Oxford researchers are testing kidney transplant MRI scanning to assess donor organs more accurately before surgery. We explain what the ADMIRE trial means for kidney patients.
MRIKPA Newsletters
Download past issues of our Printed Newsletter below.
| Newsletter Edition | Link to the file |
|---|---|
| Autumn 2023 | Download PDF |
| Spring 2023 | Download PDF |
| Summer 2021 | Download PDF |
| Winter 2020 | Download PDF |
| Summer 2019 | Download PDF |
| Winter 2018 | Download PDF |
| Summer 2018 | Download PDF |
Click HERE to read our latest Newsletter online.
