DaVita Advances Kidney Care with New Research
DaVita, a leader in kidney care, is gearing up for an impactful presentation at the
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2026. The company will showcase seven groundbreaking studies, reflecting its ongoing commitment to advancing kidney care through innovation and evidence-based practices. This year's presentations highlight emerging treatment methodologies, including
middle molecule clearance,
home dialysis, and a focus on
patient experiences.
A Turning Point in Nephrology
The research presented comes at a crucial moment for nephrology, where a wave of new treatment options is emerging. These therapies, particularly those aimed at enhancing middle molecule clearance, necessitate a robust foundation of real-world data to validate their potential benefits. Dr.
Steven Brunelli, DaVita’s group vice president of research, emphasized that while kidney care is blossoming with therapies, actual innovation becomes meaningful only when it improves patient outcomes. “Our research supports clinicians in evaluating new therapies by grounding them in real-world experiences, facilitating informed care decisions,” he stated.
Key Research Areas
DaVita's seven studies are neatly categorized into three pivotal domains:
1. Dialysis Innovation
- - Change in Serum Albumin After Initiation of Expanded Hemodialysis
Presentation Time: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Eric Weinhandl, Jeffrey Giullian, Scott Sibbel, Francesca Tentori, Steven Brunelli
- - Is Hypoalbuminemia a Contraindication to Expanded Hemodialysis?
Presentation Time: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Eric Weinhandl, Jeffrey Giullian, Scott Sibbel, Steven Brunelli, Francesca Tentori
2. Home-Based Treatments
- - GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Exposure and Longitudinal Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Initiating Peritoneal Dialysis
Presentation Time: Friday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Jiacong Luo, Scott Sibbel, Eric Weinhandl, Francesca Tentori, Steven Brunelli
- - Outcomes Associated with Embedded Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Presentation Time: Friday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Eric Weinhandl, Mark Shapiro, Bernie del Rosario, Michelle Cassin, Mihran Naljayan, Steven Brunelli, Francesca Tentori
- - Completion of Peritoneal Dialysis Treatments After Discharge Is Associated with Reduced Rates of Cumulative Hospitalizations
Presentation Time: Friday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Eric Weinhandl, Mihran Naljayan, Bernie del Rosario, Michelle Cassin, Francesca Tentori, Steven Brunelli
3. Patient Perspectives
- - Patient Perspectives on Factors Influencing Arteriovenous Fistula Placement for Dialysis
Presentation Time: Thursday, Oct. 22 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Humberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Karen-Marie Eaton, Bethany Sarosiek, Tier Carter, Eric Weinhandl, Steven Brunelli, Francesca Tentori
- - Exploring Patient Perspectives on Reasons for Missing Dialysis Treatments
Presentation Time: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m. – noon MT
Authors: Karen-Marie Eaton, Humberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Eric Weinhandl, Steven Brunelli, Francesca Tentori
Contributing New Insights
Focusing on middle molecule clearance, DaVita’s contribution to Kidney Week is particularly noteworthy. With two studies revolving around
expanded hemodialysis (HD), the aim is to improve the clearance of larger middle molecules without complicating access to traditional in-center dialysis. Dr. Brunelli remarked that their findings dispel common misconceptions regarding albumin's role, indicating that this therapy is suitable for a diverse patient demographic while maintaining necessary protein levels.
DaVita's ongoing efforts resonate with their mission to assess new kidney care advancements through the lens of rigorous, real-world clinical evidence, backing informed adoption as fresh therapies become available for patients nationwide.
Engaging with Professionals at Kidney Week
Apart from the presentations, DaVita will also engage actively with healthcare professionals and industry leaders throughout the conference to discuss dynamic trends in kidney care, specifically the practical aspects of implementing middle molecule clearance strategies. Attendees can find DaVita at
Booth #414, where clinical experts will provide insights, research data, and educational materials focusing on innovations that enhance kidney care and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Jeff Giullian, DaVita's chief medical officer, reiterated the huge impact of middle molecule clearance in shaping dialysis care across the country. He noted that breakthroughs in kidney treatment are fueled by innovations throughout the care process, spanning from early intervention strategies to patient engagement mechanisms. DaVita’s commitment to creating more tailored treatment experiences for patients marks a significant shift in the landscape of nephrology.
For further details about DaVita's clinical research and ongoing innovations in treatment methodologies, visit
DaVita.com/TreatmentInnovation.
About DaVita
DaVita (NYSE: DVA) has been pivotal in redefining healthcare delivery practices for over 25 years, enabling higher quality lives for patients globally. As a comprehensive kidney care provider, they support individuals at every stage of their kidney health journey, ensuring coordinated care across various settings—from dialysis facilities to hospitals and home care. As per June 30, 2026 data, DaVita catered to around 298,500 patients across 3,266 outpatient dialysis centers, demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare standards and life quality for kidney disease patients worldwide.