An estimated 1.2 million Australians are living with diabetes, a serious chronic disease with numerous complications and comorbidities including diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

The risk factors for developing DKD are well known, but could we treat people better if we knew more about their personal risk factors, or predict the likelihood of future functional decline of the kidneys?

Proteomics International (ASX: PIQ) is answering that question with PromarkerD, a patented prodiagnostic test to predict the incidence of DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes and no existing DKD. The simple blood test detects a specific ‘fingerprint’ of the early onset of DKD by measuring biomarkers. The test also takes into account three routinely available clinical variables: age, HDL-cholesterol and estimated glomerular filtration rate (informs kidney function). The clinically validated diagnostic test has yielded good results, predicting up to 86% of otherwise healthy diabetics who then developed DKD within four years.

In order to bolster the tech, PIQ engaged life science company, Abcam to produce recombinant versions of the antibodies used in the PromarkerD test. These are more stable than those produced regularly resulting in a more consistent product.

To scale and expand availability of the test in the Northern Hemisphere, PIQ has contracted French immunoassay specialist Biotem to produce the PromarkerD test kits. Biotem is an international manufacturer of immunoassays and antibodies specifically designed for diagnostic tests.

Managing Director of Proteomics International, Dr. Richard Lipscombe said: “Currently, the PromarkerD immunoassay (ELISA) kits are manufactured under license in Australia. Now, by contracting these specialist manufacturers we are building our production capacity to meet our anticipated demand for the test in the Northern Hemisphere and worldwide.”

“The engagement of global manufacturing partners will help accelerate the worldwide roll-out of PromarkerD, as well as the commercialisation of our pipeline of other diagnostics under development.”

The three year agreement will run on a fee-for-service basis with the option for PIQ to extend for an additional period of one year.