Remix Of ‘It Takes Two’ Raises Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 2, 2023

“It takes two to make a thing go right,” raps Rob Base in his iconic hit. Now, the song is taking on a new meaning in a health initiative to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The song will be used in a promotion for “It Takes 2,” spearheaded by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company, with the remix including lyrics that encourage CKD testing, as the former confirmed that over 35 million U.S. adults struggle with it.

The inclusion of “It Takes 2 – The Remix” ensures that fans of the 1988 classic, especially those within the significantly impacted Black community, will become more aware of the need for complete CKD testing and partner up with a healthcare professional.

The “2” refers to the dual tests needed, eGFR for blood and UACR for urine, to determine one’s progression with the illness or to see if an individual is at risk of developing it. Early diagnosis is a primary factor in beneficial treatment for those who also have type 2 diabetes as well, with the illness often leading to CKD.

“The unique approach of ‘It Takes 2’ in reaching two different audiences with two different but equally valuable messages is a critical step forward in improving the treatment of adults in jeopardy of developing kidney disease,” shared Dr. Charles Irvine, UC Irvine School of Medicine’s associate dean of diversity and inclusion.

CKD impacts the cardiorenal metabolic system and can progress to a life-threatening degree. As most people who have it are unaware of their status, ‘It Takes 2’ seeks to remedy this problem through the awareness campaign.

“‘It Takes Two’ is a defining piece of music history and the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Alliance is excited to partner with Rob Base to reinvent this song to amplify the mission of our new health initiative,” said Dr. Mohamed Eid, an executive at the biopharmaceutical company. “’It Takes 2′ is driving attention to the value of using two complementary tests to help identify unmet needs of the at-risk population and reduce risks associated with the growing burden of CKD.”

To listen to the new version of the song and learn more about testing options, all are encouraged to visit the initiative’s website.

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