International Society of Nephrology First Consensus Guidance for Pre-Clinical Animal Studies in Translational Nephrology

Pre-clinical tests in animal models are key steps in early drug development. Consequently, the International Society of Nephrology held a consensus meeting that connected experts in the global kidney community to provide guidance on optimal management of translational animal studies for the development of new drugs to treat kidney disease: “TRANSFORM; TRAnslational Nephrology Science FOR new Medications.” The meeting covered themes including: (1) selection of disease model; (2) pharmacokinetics; (3) interventions in late pre-clinical models; (4) choice of animal; (5) statistical power; (6) organoids and organ-on-a-chip models; and (7) reporting results. This is the first guidance on the optimal conduct of translational animal studies for the development of new drugs to treat kidney disease. These recommendations are designed to accelerate development of new drugs for efficacious treatment of kidney diseases, and to improve prognosis and the quality of life of patients with a variety of kidney diseases.