The partnership brings together two academic medical institutions, The University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) and Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC), both renowned for expertise in medical research and patient care in nephrology and kidney physiology. The project, coordinated by Prof. Martin de Borst, UMCG Internal Medicine and Prof. Liffert Vogt, Amsterdam UMC Internal Medicine, is performed in conjunction with CSL Vifor, a global pharmaceutical and industry leader in Nephrology. More information about the project can be found at https://www.kaliumstudie.nl/promise
The project represents a significant leap in the fields of nephrology and pharmacology. Its primary research objective is to harness the potential of patiromer, a medication designed to lower blood potassium levels, in order to enhance the treatment of CKD.
With CKD affecting roughly 10% of the global population, and posing a substantial health risk, innovative solutions are imperative. The economic burden of CKD is significant, surpassing 140 billion euros annually in Europe and outweighing the costs associated with diabetes and cancer. A cornerstone of CKD therapy lies in the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is crucial for managing blood pressure and slowing the progression of kidney damage. However, less than half of advanced CKD patients receive optimal doses of RAAS-inhibitors, primarily due to concerns about the medication's potential to raise blood potassium levels.
This project will investigate whether patiromer can significantly transform CKD treatment. Patiromer functions by binding potassium in the intestines, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream, ultimately lowering blood potassium levels. This, in turn, may empower physicians to administer RAAS-inhibitors optimally, leading to improved kidney health and a reduced risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
PROMISE is a multifaceted project that will not only explore the potential of patiromer in CKD treatment but will also delve into the metabolic regulators of plasma potassium levels. Additionally, through an extensive analysis of a Dutch cohort of kidney patients, the project aims to establish the connection between suboptimal RAAS-inhibitor usage and the likelihood of future complications. It will also identify reasons for suboptimal RAAS-inhibitor use, and provide solutions towards better personalized care for CKD patients.
Through combined expertise, resources, and dedication, the collaboration between UMCG, Amsterdam UMC, and CSL Vifor marks a significant stride forward in addressing the global challenge of chronic kidney disease and its associated risks. The project is partly funded by the Dutch Kidney Foundation and by means of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) allowance allocated to UMCG and Amsterdam UMC by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy via the Top Sector Life Sciences and Health and Health Holland.
The PPP Allowance program encourages research collaboration between the university and companies. It's funded annually by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Health~Holland and administered internally by the UMCG Innovation Center and by Innovation Exchange Amsterdam. The allowance supports joint projects by adding resources to enhance project success and build long-term partnerships with companies.
To know more about the UMCG PPP allowance program, please visit the website at UMCG PPP allowance program. To know more about the Amsterdam UMC PPP allowance program, please visit the website at Amsterdam UMC TKI-PPP Grant - Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (ixa.nl)
