Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication to Chronic Kidney Disease Care by DaVita

DaVita Celebrates 25 Years of Advancements in Kidney Care

DaVita is proudly celebrating a significant milestone: 25 years of innovation and clinical advancement in the management of chronic kidney disease. As a leader in comprehensive kidney care, DaVita has utilized this anniversary to reflect on the groundbreaking achievements of its research arm, DaVita Clinical Research (DCR). Since its inception, DCR has been integral in evolving kidney care, pioneering research, and enhancing clinical practices through extensive studies and trials.

Revolutionizing Kidney Disease Treatment

Dr. Jeff Giullian, the Chief Medical Officer at DaVita, emphasized how clinical research has transformed the understanding and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to Dr. Giullian, the breakthroughs facilitated by DCR have enabled providers to offer personalized and effective care, ultimately improving patients' quality of life. This commitment to science and education reaffirms DaVita’s position as a trailblazer in enhancing healthcare outcomes for kidney disease patients.

Adapting to Evolving Healthcare Needs

DCR has shown remarkable adaptability throughout changing healthcare demands. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, DaVita not only contributed to crucial vaccine trials but also played a role in the vaccination of frontline workers at its DCR headquarters. Furthermore, DaVita participated in federal initiatives aiming to extend vaccine access to numerous at-risk patients, demonstrating its proactive stance during a health crisis.

Additionally, the research conducted by DaVita has informed key nephrology practice guidelines. One example includes a revised method for managing anemia, which has been widely adopted across the nephrology field.

Innovations Driven by Data Insights

According to Dr. Francesca Tentori, Vice President of Outcomes Research at DaVita, research fueled by data insights is vital for continuous improvement in care quality. DaVita has meticulously analyzed data to recognize how changes—such as increasing awareness of home dialysis—can significantly impact mortality and hospitalization rates. The 25 years of insights gleaned from their research has positioned DaVita at the forefront of quality improvement in kidney disease treatment.

Research Outputs That Matter

Over the years, DaVita has produced over 180 manuscripts and 520 research abstracts aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes for kidney care. Notably, a study published in 2017 across 40 dialysis centers demonstrated that ClearGuard HD antimicrobial barrier caps notably decreased bloodstream infections in patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). This significant finding has driven improvements in patient outcomes, addressing a common challenge in dialysis care.

Pioneering Clinical Trials

As the largest trial network in the U.S. for chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease, DCR has conducted more than 500 clinical trials across over 250 research sites, involving more than 8,900 participants in the last five years alone. Every ESKD drug approved by the FDA has engaged with DCR, ensuring that DaVita stays at the cutting edge of therapeutic innovations.

In a notable development, DaVita launched the Alliance Site Network aimed at early-stage CKD trials, with over 50% of current trials focusing on patients at earlier stages of their treatment journey.

Expanding Access Through Inclusive Research

DaVita is committed to inclusivity in research, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by dialysis patients. In 2024, DCR initiated decentralized recruitment services designed to include diverse patient groups more effectively. By utilizing DaVita's CKD electronic health record system, the initiative has improved access to clinical trials for underserved populations.

For those interested in exploring DaVita's 25-year journey, detailed insights can be found on their website, DaVitaForward.com, showcasing milestones that have shaped the company and the broader kidney care landscape.

About DaVita

DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a healthcare organization dedicated to transforming care delivery and enhancing the quality of life for patients globally. With a focus on kidney care, DaVita has led advancements in clinical quality and innovation for the past 25 years. As of June 30, 2025, DaVita operates 3,175 outpatient dialysis centers, providing care for approximately 283,100 patients worldwide.