Organization Spotlight: IGA Nephropathy Foundation (IGAN)
The IGA Nephropathy Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the eradication of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys.
The IGA Nephropathy Foundation was founded in 2004 by a group of concerned family and friends with the goal of better funding research on IgAN. To date, the foundation has awarded almost $1,000,000 in grants to researchers working to understand and develop treatments for IgAN. The IGA Nephropathy Foundation also provides support, education, and other resources for patients and families affected by the disease.
Among other projects, the IGA Nephropathy Foundation works with pharmaceutical partners to help patients access clinical trials for which they may be eligible. The organization has also established the IGA Nephropathy Foundation Patient Aid Fund to provide financial aid to people diagnosed with IgAN. The money can be used to pay out-of-pocket expenses, including nonmedical costs, related to treatment.
IgAN interferes with the way blood is filtered in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. The disease occurs when the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) forms deposits in the kidneys and damages the glomerulus, the filtering unit of the kidneys. There is currently no cure for IgAN. While some cases resolve on their own or with treatment, a more aggressive form of the condition may result in end-stage renal disease.
To learn more about the work of the IGA Nephropathy Foundation, become a member, or make a donation, visit www.igan.org.
IGAN Mission Statement
The IGA Nephropathy Foundation’s mission is to be a patient-centric organization focused on finding a cure for IgA Nephropathy. Using the power of the patient community we are focused on funding research using patient advocacy to empower our patients and building a network of support. As a patient-run organization, we will work together with the hope of finding better treatment options and the ultimate cure. By patients, for patients.
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