(UPDATED: March 17, 2026)
In Switzerland, cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) will increase by 6,7% to 1,03 million by 2032, leading to 49,7% more deaths. The cost of CKD treatment will increase by 27,6%, which corresponds to CHF 4,2 billion and accounts for up to 4,6% of Switzerland’s total healthcare expenditure. This is shown by the current IMPACT-CKD study by AstraZeneca.1
Today’s World Kidney Day draws attention to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is increasingly becoming an invisible epidemic. Worldwide, 850 million people are affected, almost one million of them in Switzerland.2,3,4 The current study (Update: Published in Advances in Therapy in February 2026) by AstraZeneca predicts a further sharp increase in Switzerland with considerable consequences for patients, society and the healthcare system.1
Rising incidence of kidney disease – around 50% more deaths
According to forecasts, the number of people with CKD in Switzerland will increase by 6,7% to 1,03 million between 2022 and 2032. Of particular concern is that 65,5% of these cases may remain undiagnosed, making timely treatment difficult. The majority of cases will shift from early stages to advanced stages, increasing by 18,1% over this period. This shift will lead to a significant increase in emergency room admissions (+22,8%), hospitalizations (+25,2%) and deaths (+49,7%). Florian Saur, Managing Director of AstraZeneca Switzerland, is alarmed: «This dramatic increase in advanced chronic kidney disease requires urgent attention from society and policy makers. With this study, we want to make an active contribution to raising awareness of the problem.»
Increase in health and environmental impact
Patients in advanced stages are dependent on renal replacement procedures such as dialysis or kidney transplantation. This is expected to increase by 57,2%. Both dialysis and transplants place an enormous burden on patients and their families and have a major impact on their quality of life. They also lead to an increased strain on health resources. The authors of the study forecast a 27,6% increase in the cost of CKD treatment – equivalent to CHF 4,2 billion. The costs caused by CKD will therefore account for 4,6% of total healthcare expenditure in Switzerland by 2032.
At the same time, the environmental impact will also increase: The increase in necessary treatments will result in 13% higher CO2 emissions, while dialysis will increase water consumption by 17%.
More prevention and early detection are needed
CKD is characterized by a persistent impairment of kidney function and increases the risk of serious health problems such as cardiovascular and bone diseases. Kidney diseases are often detected too late, as they are asymptomatic in the early stages. For Florian Saur, the results of the IMPACT-CKD study show that Switzerland is facing an enormous health and financial challenge. He calls for action: «In order to improve the quality of life of affected patients and contain the rapidly rising healthcare costs, all players in the healthcare system must urgently work together. The aim must be to specifically promote the prevention and early detection of CKD.»
AstraZeneca is committed to innovative solutions for the early detection and treatment of CKD: Among other things, professional organizations and experts have launched the «Kidneys suffer quietly» campaign in 2023, which AstraZeneca supports together with other pharmaceutical and med-tech companies.5 The aim is to raise awareness of CKD among the public and healthcare professional.
Media contact
Tel. +41 (0) 41 725 75 75; media.switzerland@astrazeneca.com
Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country's top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 285 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 230,000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. By 2026, the company expects the approval of over 35 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the sixth consecutive time in 2024 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2030.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch
Methodology of the study
The IMPACT-CKD model, developed jointly with the London School of Economics and based on Swiss Real-World Evidence (RWE), simulates disease progression and predicts clinical, public and environmental impact of CKD in Switzerland. One million simulated individuals were categorized into CKD stages according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and comorbid conditions. Validation was performed by ex-perts and by comparison with current literature and RWE.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious, progressive disease that affects almost 10 percent of people in Switzerland.3,4 CKD is defined by reduced kidney function. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.3,6 CKD is associated with significant patient morbidity and an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart failure (HF) and premature death.7 In the most advanced and severe stage, known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), the kidney damage and deterioration in kidney function are so advanced that dialysis or a kidney transplant is required.8 However, there is a higher probability of suffering a premature death than reaching the stage of terminal renal failure.9
References
1 Campbell-James T, Buff S, Nanchen G. et al. System Preparedness for Rising Kidney Replacement Therapy Demand: Late-Stage CKD Drives Costs, Healthcare Resource Utilisation and Environmental Impact in Switzerland. Adv Ther (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-026-03519-1 (Updated: 17.03.26).
2 Jager KJ, Kovesdy C, Langham R, et al. A single number for advocacy and communication – worldwide more than 850 million individuals have kidney diseases. Kidney Int. 2019;96(5):1048-1050.
3 Ogna VF, et al., Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease in the Swiss population. Swiss Med Wkly. 2016;146:w14313.
4 Ponte B. et al. Determinants and burden of chronic kidney disease in the population-based CoLaus study: a cross-sectional analysis. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2013 Sep;28(9):2329-39.
5 myHealth chronische Nierenerkrankung - Nieren leiden leise: https://nieren-leiden-leise.ch
6 National Kidney Foundation [Internet]. Kidney Disease: Causes; 2015 [cited 2022 Jun 09]. Available from: https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/fsindex
7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [Internet]. Chronic Kidney Disease: Common - Serious - Costly; 2019 [cited 2022 Jun 24]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/prevention-risk/CKD-common-serious-costly.html.
8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [Internet]. Chronic kidney disease in the United States; 2021 [cited 2022 Jun 24]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/2019-national-facts.html.
9 Dalrymple LS, et al. Chronic Kidney Disease and the Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease versus Death. J Gen Intern Med 2011;26:379–385.
CH-12569 (03/2026)