A collaborative effort between RMIT University and Australian diagnostic company Nexsen Limited aims to develop a groundbreaking blood test for the early detection and management of kidney disease. The research, backed by a funding agreement of AUD $1.125 million, seeks to create point-of-care tests that can identify acute kidney injury significantly faster than current methods, while also enabling at-home monitoring for chronic kidney disease.
Kidney health is a pressing concern, particularly in intensive care settings where nearly one-third of patients experience acute kidney injury. This condition is often difficult to detect in its early stages, which is crucial for timely intervention. Additionally, approximately 13% of the global population is living with chronic kidney disease, a leading cause of premature death.
Innovative Solutions for Timely Diagnosis
Professor Vipul Bansal, Director of RMIT’s Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, emphasized the need for a more efficient alternative to existing pathology-based kidney function tests. Current methods rely on measuring reduced urine output and elevated serum creatinine levels, which can take between six to 24 hours to yield results. Bansal stated, “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.”
The new test aims to detect kidney damage much earlier, potentially improving patient outcomes and preventing acute kidney injury from progressing into irreversible chronic kidney disease. Professor Shekhar Kumta, who specializes in managing kidney failure in complex surgical patients, highlighted the limitations of current diagnostic techniques. He noted that the reliance on kidney function tests can lead to delays in diagnosis, as changes in function often lag behind actual damage.
Advanced Technology and Global Impact
The research team is developing patented DNA aptamers designed to identify specific biomarkers associated with structural kidney damage. “These new blood tests will be able to diagnose the root cause of acute kidney injury early, which will play an important role in more clearly defining the optimal clinical management plan for patients,” Kumta explained.
The potential for at-home monitoring of chronic kidney disease is particularly significant, with estimates suggesting that over 850 million individuals worldwide could benefit. Such tests could become as routine as blood glucose monitoring for diabetics.
RMIT University and Nexsen have established a strong partnership, having formalized their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding. RMIT has also taken an equity position in Nexsen, indicating a commitment to advancing their joint initiatives. The synergy between the two organizations is further exemplified by Bansal’s role as Chief Innovation Officer at Nexsen.
The technology employed in this kidney disease project builds on previous successes, including a diagnostic test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria, which can lead to serious complications in newborns. That test is currently progressing through clinical trials at Northern Health in Melbourne, with approval secured to begin this year.
Nexsen’s Executive Chairman, Reece O’Connell, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the projects underway. He stated, “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, as chronic kidney disease becomes more and more prevalent in global communities.”
This innovative approach to kidney disease testing underscores the urgent need for more effective diagnostic tools, which could save lives and improve the quality of care for millions around the world.
