A new blood test is in development that aims to significantly improve early detection of kidney disease, enhancing ongoing management of kidney health. Researchers at RMIT University in collaboration with Australian diagnostic company Nexsen Limited have secured a contract worth AUD $1.125 million to create point-of-care tests. These tests are designed to identify acute kidney injury much faster than existing methods, providing a crucial opportunity for timely intervention.
Acute kidney injury is a serious concern, particularly in intensive care settings, where nearly one-third of patients are affected. Early detection is vital, as current methods often fail to identify issues until significant damage has occurred. An estimated 13% of individuals globally are living with chronic kidney disease, which continues to be a leading cause of premature mortality.
Advancements in Kidney Health Monitoring
According to Professor Vipul Bansal, the Director of RMIT’s Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, their innovative test aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional kidney function tests. “The rapid onset of acute kidney injury – yet the lack of a reliable diagnostic test – poses a major challenge for healthcare professionals to make timely interventions,” Bansal stated.
Current testing methods rely on reduced urine output and elevated serum creatinine levels, processes that can take between six and 24 hours to yield results. The new diagnostic technology seeks to detect kidney damage much earlier, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. Professor Shekhar Kumta, a clinician with experience in managing kidney failure, emphasized that existing methods often delay diagnosis due to the lag in creatinine levels which reflect kidney function.
Transforming Patient Care
The research team is developing patented DNA aptamers that target specific biomarkers linked to kidney damage. These advanced blood tests will enable healthcare professionals to diagnose the underlying causes of acute kidney injury promptly, facilitating tailored clinical management plans for affected patients.
Furthermore, the team is also working on tests that can be used for the at-home monitoring of chronic kidney disease. Such innovations could potentially benefit over 850 million individuals worldwide, allowing them to manage their condition alongside routine blood glucose monitoring used by many diabetics.
RMIT University and Nexsen Limited have established a strategic partnership, further solidified by a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The partnership has already seen RMIT take an equity position in Nexsen, with both organizations committed to addressing critical health challenges. Bansal’s dual role as Chief Innovation Officer at Nexsen highlights the collaborative efforts underway.
The team has previously demonstrated their capabilities by developing a biosensor technology for detecting Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacteria that can pose serious risks to pregnant women and their babies. The GBS test is progressing well, with clinical trials set to begin this year at Northern Health in Melbourne.
Reece O’Connell, Executive Chairman of Nexsen, expressed confidence in the impact of both projects: “Our first products are targeting key unmet clinical needs in globally significant markets such as GBS and kidney disease. We’re excited to continue our deep relationship with RMIT into the kidney disease project, where we are addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges.”
The development of these tests promises to reshape the landscape of kidney disease detection and management, offering hope to millions at risk for kidney-related health issues.
