Renalytix AI upbeat on results of utility study

Renalytix AI announced results from a new utility study on Thursday, which confirmed the importance of risk assessment testing in addressing treatment ambiguity in the early stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

The AIM-traded firm said the study also confirmed the value of improving patient engagement and adherence, which it said were two major barriers to slowing or preventing DKD progression and preserving kidney health.

In clinical studies, it said its ‘KidneyIntelX’ was shown to accurately predict progression of DKD, suggesting that KidneyIntelX risk assessment could support primary care physicians in making appropriate treatment decisions and slowing or preventing DKD progression.

In the qualitative study involving 16 primary care physicians, the company said 100% of clinician study participants confirmed that early-stage kidney risk assessment, like that provided by KidneyIntelX, would help to address suboptimal therapy, which could lead to rapid progression, increased hospital admissions, emergency room visits, potential kidney failure, need for dialysis, decreased quality of life, and increased costs.

“The NKF believes primary care physicians have the power to change the outcome for the vast majority of individuals with early-stage kidney disease who are at risk for progressive kidney disease,” said Dr Joseph Vassalotti, chief medical officer of the National Kidney Foundation and clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai Health System.

“Americans living with kidney diseases universally express the preference for early diagnosis.

“This study confirms the compelling data presented at this year's NKF Spring Clinical Meeting that KidneyIntelX could be widely adopted by primary care physicians (PCPs) and could alter how at-risk populations with type-2 diabetes can receive early education and therapeutic intervention to reduce DKD complications and kidney failure.”

Dr Vassalotti said the foundation was “fuelled with urgency” to improve the long-term outcomes to restore the lives of people living with kidney diseases.

“We encourage PCPs to embrace the ability to manage kidney disease risk early to protect their patient's kidney health.”

At 1010 BST, shares in Renalytix AI were down 1.62% at 1,156p.