Gaining Insight into Nephrology Community

Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to creating novel medicines for the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases, wanted to gain a better understanding of how the nephrology community recognizes and treats dialysis-related carnitine deficiency (DCD).

Together with Jones Public Affairs, Sigma-Tau conducted a medical advisory board with leading healthcare professionals to discuss DCD and gather insights into what opportunities there may be for Sigma-Tau to educate the dialysis community about the benefits of treating DCD.  The advisory board was very well received by the attending healthcare professionals and showcased Sigma-Tau’s commitment to dialysis patients, as well as confirmed the important role of that carnitine therapy holds amongst nephrology key opinion leaders. 

Challenge

• Although many dialysis patients develop dialysis-related carnitine deficiency (DCD), treatment of DCD is underutilized

Insight

• Upcoming changes to how Medicare will reimburse treatment centers for services provides an opportunity to discuss how DCD affects dialysis patients

Strategy

• Host a medical advisory board in conjunction with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Spring Clinical Meeting with leading medical professionals familiar with carnitine for treating DCD

Success

• Educated participants on current data applicable to carnitine use in dialysis
• Garnered insights on further establishing the role of carnitine in the care of dialysis patients

Testimonial

We really appreciate the value JPA brings in coordinating medical advisory boards.  Their team clearly understands how to engage KOLs and run a meeting that delivers results.
—Kristine D'Angelo David, RD, Medical Science Liaison, Metabolics and Renal, Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc.