Dr. Thomas Weimbs Chats with Dr. Shigeo Horie, Director of the PKD Association in Japan

Breaking Down the Conversation: Dr. Thomas Weimbs Chats with Dr. Shigeo Horie on PKD

In an enlightening exchange between two prominent figures in the PKD community, Dr. Thomas Weimbs sits down with Dr. Shigeo Horie, a leading name in the fight against Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Dr. Horie, who serves as Professor and Chair of Urology at the Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine and the director of the Polycystic Kidney Association in Japan, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table.

Central to the conversation is Dr. Horie's philosophy on medical progress. He eloquently articulates the need to alleviate the burdens borne by patients, emphasizing the importance of freedom from the constraints of illness. Achieving this goal requires a collaborative effort between doctors and patients, highlighting the critical role of patient involvement in medical research and treatment development.

The research discussed by Dr. Thomas Weimbs and Dr. Shigeo Horie delve into the promising connection between nutritional interventions, specifically the ketogenic diet, and its effects on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Dr. Weimbs' work at the University of California Santa Barbara has shown that ketosis, induced by a ketogenic diet, or the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) may slow down or even reverse the growth of polycystic kidneys in animal models. This research suggests a potential pathway to managing PKD progression in humans, offering hope for those affected by this genetic disease​​​​.

The collaborative efforts of researchers and clinicians, as exemplified by Dr. Weimbs and Dr. Horie, are crucial in advancing our understanding of PKD and developing effective treatments that can improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Click HERE to watch full interview!

The clinical study will test SBN’s medical food KetoCitra® and ketogenic metabolic therapy in individuals with ADPKD.

For this clinical research, investigators at Juntendo University will evaluate the safety, tolerability, feasibility, metabolic, and renal outcomes of the KMT (Ren-Nu + KetoCitra®) in patients with ADPKD. The study will follow up to 200 ADPKD patients who will either undergo the dietary intervention or follow their usual diet for one year. 

Physicians, patients, and dietitians worked together to translate and adapt the Ren-Nu Program educational materials and meal plans to be culturally suitable for the Japanese population.