Association pour l'Information et la Recherche sur les Maladies Rénales Génétiques (AIRG-France)

Established in 1988, AIRG-France was founded by Professor Jean-Pierre Grünfeld, Dr. Ginette Albouze, patients, their families, and concerned physicians. The organization was recognized as a public utility in 2007. Its headquarters are located in Paris, France, and it operates as a non-profit association under the French law of 1901. Over the years, AIRG-France has expanded its reach with sister organizations in Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Morocco.

AIRG-France exists to support individuals affected by genetic kidney diseases. The organization aims to provide information, support patients and their families, promote organ donation, and fund research to understand and combat the causes and consequences of genetic kidney diseases.

The organization supports patients with various genetic kidney conditions, including Alport syndrome, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (SHUa), cystinose, cystinuria, Berger's disease, primary hyperoxaluria, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD and PKR).

AIRG-France engages in several key activities:

• Advocacy for patients with genetic kidney diseases
• Educational initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions
• Direct support programs for patients and their families
• Promotion of organ donation
• Funding and supporting research projects

The organization provides various forms of assistance to patients and their families, including:

• Information hotlines for immediate support and guidance
• Consultations to help navigate medical and social services
• Educational materials and workshops to enhance understanding of genetic kidney diseases
• Support groups and networks for sharing experiences and advice

Since its inception, AIRG-France has allocated over 2 million euros to research projects. The organization has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of genetic kidney diseases, contributing to significant medical progress in diagnostics and potential therapies.