New Biotechnology Predicts Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetic Patients

In the United States, approximately 37.3 million people have diabetes, making up about 11.3% of the population. Diabetes has additional risks, including an increased risk of developing kidney complications or kidney disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes is a primary risk factor for kidney disease. Approximately one-third of diabetic patients have chronic kidney disease (CKD). On December 1, 2022, Journey Biosciences launched NaviDKD, a biomarker blood test for people with diabetes to predict the risk of kidney complications and kidney disease.

According to the company’s press release, this biotechnology “proactively assesses the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes years before clinical signs or symptoms appear. Along with its proprietary Compass reporting platform, NaviDKD provides actionable insights for preventing and managing kidney complications before they occur.”

The test uses a blood sample to analyze advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels. AGEs are produced through glycation when glucose combines with a protein or fat. Increased AGE levels are associated with degenerative kidney disease.

Typically, the body can filter and eliminate AGEs, but high glucose levels and dietary habits can cause excessive accumulation. The body’s ability to filter AGEs — indicated by AGE levels in the blood — is a good indicator of how well the kidneys filter and eliminate toxins. High levels of AGE are indicative of a higher risk of health complications.

Studies conducted by Paul Beisswenger, MD, analyzed blood samples collected from multiple trials, including the National History of Diabetic Nephropathy, DCCT/EDIC, ACCORD, and Pima Indian trials. In a retrospective analysis looking at diabetic patients who developed kidney complications, researchers analyzed the accumulation of AGEs. They found that increased AGE levels were elevated before changes in glomerular filtration rate.

Alongside those results, clinicians can look at A1C and other medical history information to assess the risk level for kidney complications. "By identifying those at elevated or high risk of developing DKD before any symptoms or clinical indications, the conversation between doctor and patient can focus on taking proactive, preventative action instead of reacting to an unwanted diagnosis,” said Adam Graybill, Chief Executive Officer of Journey Biosciences in the press release.