A method for treating renal failure associated with advanced stage renal disease includes administering a soluble cytokine receptor to one or more of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma or interleukin 6; or antibodies to one or more of interleukin 6 or interleukin 1 beta. The method can be used as a supplement to or as partial or complete replacement for dialysis. A pharmaceutical composition includes antibody or functional equivalent thereof to urea, creatinine, or both; antibody, functional equivalent or soluble cytokine receptor to tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 1 beta or any combination thereof. The composition can be included in a kit.