Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the fastest growing global health challenges, with most patients dying from cardiovascular disease before reaching kidney failure. Heart failure and kidney disease are deeply interconnected, yet current treatments often address them separately.
IRONHEART-CKD is a world-first international clinical trial investigating whether a simple, widely available treatment – intravenous iron – can transform outcomes by targeting iron deficiency, one of the most common and under-recognised complications of CKD. This new approach aims to reduce heart failure, improve physical function, and help people with CKD live longer.
Your support will help bring this groundbreaking research to life – accelerating a new model of care that treats the heart and kidneys together, improves quality of life, and saves lives.
“Heart failure is one of the most common complications of kidney disease – it is impossible to separate one disease from the other.”
– Associate Professor Brendon Neuen – Staff Specialist Nephrologist and Director, Royal North Shore Hospital
Chronic kidney disease is often described as a silent disease, with individuals losing up to 90% of kidney function before symptoms appear. Despite its scale, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Iron deficiency affects at least one-third of patients, contributing to fatigue, reduced physical function and increased strain on the heart, yet treatment is often delayed until anaemia develops.
Most people with CKD will ultimately die from cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure – highlighting a critical need for new approaches that address both conditions together.
“Treatments that protect the kidney also tend to protect the heart.”
– Associate Professor Brendon Neuen – Staff Specialist Nephrologist and Director, Royal North Shore Hospital
IRONHEART-CKD will test whether intravenous iron can improve survival, reduce heart failure and enhance quality of life for people with CKD. This international, randomised trial will recruit 1,200 participants across 60 hospitals in five countries over two years.
Key outcomes:
IRONHEART-CKD represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform care for millions of people worldwide. By generating definitive evidence, the trial could rapidly influence global clinical guidelines and standard care.
The research will deliver:
Funding overview: Total investment needed: $5.25M over 5 years
