Basketball Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning wants people to know that you can be at the top of your game yet unknowingly be suffering from kidney disease. Mourning has joined with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to raise awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and the need for genetic testing and early diagnosis.
In a video on the campaign’s dedicated website, Mourning talks about how those who are most at risk are people who carry two APOL1 genetic variants, often people of sub-Saharan African ancestry including those who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean or Latino/Latina.
In the video, Mourning says: “Early diagnosis is key to getting back in the game, just like I did.” An allusion, no doubt, to the fact that he was diagnosed with kidney disease during a routine physical, had a kidney transplant in 2003 then went back to playing professional basketball—even leading the Miami Heat to an NBA championship in 2006 before he retired two years later.
“We are proud to partner with Alonzo Mourning to raise awareness of AMKD within communities in the U.S.,” said Carmen Bozic, M.D., executive vice president for global medicines development and medical affairs and chief medical officer at Vertex, in a press release. “Our teams are working tirelessly to advance a potential treatment for AMKD. At the same time, we recognize the immense need for greater disease awareness, education, and genetic testing resources within the kidney health community. We hope this partnership will empower others to be proactive about kidney health, and we’re excited to team up with Alonzo to work toward this goal.”
The Power Forward website features educational and advice for those who may be at risk for AMKD. There is a discussion guide to be used at doctors’ appointments and information on how to get tested as well as other educational resources. In addition to the website, the campaign will be on social media channels including Facebook (@PowerForwardTogether), Instagram (@PowerForwardTogether) and Twitter (@Power___Forward).
Vertex currently has cystic fibrosis drugs in the market, but the biotech also has a list of meds in the pipeline for investigational small-molecule, cell and genetic therapies in other diseases, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, diabetes, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.