The not-for-profit Northwest Kidney Centers (NKC), based in Seattle, and the California biotechnology joint venture company Kirin-Amgen announced an honorary gift to the University of Washington's Division of Nephrology to establish the Joseph W. Eschbach Endowed Chair in Kidney Research.

The bequest, an award of $1.5 million, was made in recognition of the work of the late Joseph W. Eschbach, clinical professor in the UW School of Medicine.

In conjunction with the NKC in Seattle, Eschbach conducted the first trial of genetically engineered erythropoietin (EPO; hormones produced by the kidneys that assist with the creation of red blood cells). In this case, EPO was used to help correct anemia in kidney dialysis patients. Eschbach died on Sept. 7 of lung cancer.

"It is an unusual and very special honor for a biotechnology company to fund an endowed chair to recognize the important research contributions of a faculty member," said Paul Ramsey, UW dean of medicine.

In their press release, NKC said it believed "Eschbach changed the face of kidney care, nationally and worldwide, through his exemplary clinical care, home dialysis program leadership, scholarly activity, groundbreaking research in anemia management and leadership of the Northwest Kidney Centers."

Eschbach conducted clinical research demonstrating that EPO provides a major benefit for patients with kidney disease. His research has improved the lives of many people around the world, Ramsey said.

"This is the greatest honor of my career," Eschbach said days before his death. "I am particularly pleased that NKC and the UW have put emphasis on kidney research since the future well-being of our patients depends on research applied to their needs."

Eschbach, senior research advisor at Northwest Kidney Centers and clinical professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Washington, spent his 45-year career at the center, the University of Washington and Minor and James Medical.

"Through his exemplary clinical care, groundbreaking research in anemia management, and leadership of the Northwest Kidney Centers as trustee and senior research advisor, Dr. Eschbach changed the face of kidney care," said Joyce F. Jackson, president and CEO of the center, in a press release.

"The award demonstrates the outstanding work that Dr. Eschbach performed, and ... with the endowed chair, Dr. Eschbach and his work will always be remembered," Ramsey said.

[Reach reporter Chris Paredes at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]