MANSFIELD, Mass., Sept. 18, 2020 — Transplant Genomics (“TGI”), the leading personalized diagnostics company committed to improving organ transplant outcomes worldwide through innovative tests, today announced it is “Lacing Up” with the National Kidney Foundation (“NKF”) as a National Multi-Market Sponsor of the Kidney Walk, which raises funds to support kidney health and improve the lives of the 37 million people in the United States affected by kidney disease. To help keep kidney patients, and those who care for them, safe during the national pandemic, this year’s Kidney Walk has transitioned to a new, virtual format.
Kidney Walk LaceUp represents an opportunity for participants to come together in a time of isolation and demonstrate their shared commitment to the lives of kidney patients and their loved ones, while still staying safe during the ongoing pandemic. Walkers can join from their homes, backyard or local park and still help save lives.
“Putting patients first is a core company value at Transplant Genomics; everything we do is centered on creating the best care for patients,” said Dr. Peter Meintjes, TGI’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our shared desire to protect patients, while continuing to offer best-in-class products for the detection of “silent” subclinical acute rejection –the non-invasive TruGraf test – made the National Kidney Foundation a natural partner for sharing our message.” TGI employees across the country have invited clinicians, patients, family, and friends to join them in small, socially-distanced groups to walk in support of patients. Teams will choose their own routes to walk, and will share their experiences on social media.
To help keep kidney transplant patients and caregivers safe during the global pandemic, TGI recently introduced Labs@HOME. The Labs@HOME service allows physicians to order and customize a limited menu of infectious disease and transplant-related testing. The specimen collection is performed safely and securely by a qualified phlebotomist who will work with the patient to schedule an appointment at the patient’s residence.
“As a transplant patient, I can tell you organ rejection is a patient’s greatest fear,” said Kevin Longino, NKF CEO and kidney transplant patient. “COVID-19 has been particularly devastating to kidney transplant patients and support for our community is needed now more than ever before. We’re grateful to Transplant Genomics for their sponsorship of our Kidney Walk and for helping us continue with our mission to improve the lives of kidney patients nationwide.”
Kathryn Hernandez, RN, Transplant Care Manager at TGI, is walking in Washington, DC on October 10. “The National Kidney Foundation activities are a great way of meeting people in the transplant community and making lasting connections. As a transplant nurse, I’ve seen first-hand not only the challenges kidney patients face in managing their disease, but the incredible strength and optimism in how they approach life,” said Kathryn. “This year, I walk to not only honor the selfless act of donation but also to bring attention to transplant recipients who are at an increased risk during the pandemic. I also walk to recognize healthcare workers who bravely care for people across the kidney disease spectrum. My wish for next year is that we can safely join together as a group and continue to save lives!”
The Kidney Walk is the nation’s largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Held in more than 70 communities, more than 55,000 walkers join NKF to raise more than $9 million to help kidney patients and their families each year. More than 81 cents of every dollar donated directly supports NKF programs and services. This year’s new, virtual format will enable those sheltering in place or social distancing to still participate and raise critically needed funds for kidney patients. TGI’s Labs@Home initiative similarly focuses on enabling those sheltering in place and social distancing to maintain their routine care by having mobile phlebotomists come to a patient’s home.
For more information:
Branden Morris
Transplant Genomics, Inc.
e) brandenmorris@eurofinsus.com
p) 510-745-4707
About Kidney Disease
In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease—and approximately 90 percent don’t know they have it. 1 in 3 American adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. African Americans are almost 4 times more likely than White Americans to have kidney failure. Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure.
About Transplant Genomics, Inc.
Transplant Genomics, Inc. (TGI) is a personalized diagnostics company committed to improving organ transplant outcomes worldwide through innovative tests that detect early signs of graft injury, differentiate among actionable causes and enable the optimization of therapy. Working alongside the transplant community and within the Eurofins family, TGI is commercializing a suite of tests enabling diagnoses and prediction of transplant recipient immune status. Our flagship product is TruGraf, the only blood test approved by CMS for surveillance and to rule out “silent” subclinical acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function. Test services are offered through TGI’s CLIA laboratory in Fremont, CA. TGI was acquired by Eurofins in 2019. Learn more about Transplant Genomics at http://www.trugraf.com.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.
About Eurofins Scientific
Eurofins Scientific (hereinafter sometimes “Eurofins” or “the Group”), through its subsidiaries, believes it is a scientific leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences, and supporting clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the leading global emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing. With about 45,000 staff in more than 800 laboratories across 47 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, and purity of biological substances and products, as well as for innovative clinical diagnostic. The Group’s objective is to provide its customers with high-quality services, accurate results on time, and expert advice from highly qualified staff.
Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R & D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods.
As one of the most innovative and quality-oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients’ increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the world.
The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).
Learn more about Eurofins at http://www.eurofins.com.
Important disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgment of Eurofins Scientific’s management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the information available to the Company’s management as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.
SOURCE Transplant Genomics, Inc.