Predictive Test Aims to Revolutionise Kidney Disease Management

Australia’s healthcare system is facing a growing challenge: diabetes-related kidney disease. With over 1.3 million Australians living with diabetes, more than half are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of dialysis and kidney failure. In a significant step forward, Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX:PIQ) has officially launched Promarker®D, a predictive blood test designed to detect DKD years before symptoms appear.

The commercial rollout began on 13 March 2025, coinciding with this year’s World Kidney Day, an international event that highlights the need for early diagnosis and intervention in kidney disease.

“PromarkerD is a game-changer in diabetes care,” said Proteomics International Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe. “By identifying those at-risk years in advance, we can enable early medical intervention, which has the potential to prevent severe complications, including kidney failure and dialysis.”

Early Detection Provides a Critical Health Advantage

PromarkerD is clinically validated to predict the onset of DKD up to four years in advance. This provides healthcare professionals with a crucial window to take preventive action, reducing the risk of disease progression and the associated healthcare costs.

“Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally, and Australia is no exception,” Dr Lipscombe noted. “We want to empower doctors with the tools they need to identify at-risk patients before irreversible damage occurs.”

Strategic Rollout and Commercialisation Pathway

Proteomics International has adopted a phased launch strategy, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory being the first regions to gain access. The company plans to expand the availability of PromarkerD nationwide, initially through referrals from healthcare professionals.

Additionally, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model will allow broader public access and pave the way for future partnerships with major diagnostic providers. The test is priced at $245, with Proteomics International working to establish potential reimbursement pathways through insurers and government health programs.

“We are actively engaging with primary care networks, diabetes clinics, and key industry bodies to support widespread adoption of PromarkerD across Australia,” Dr Lipscombe said.

Global Expansion Plans Underway

While the Australian launch marks a major milestone, Proteomics International has a global commercialisation strategy in place. The company has recently established a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)-certified Reference Laboratory in California, USA, which will support the test’s entry into the American market. Discussions are also underway with potential partners in Europe.

“Australia is our home market and an important testing ground, but the opportunity for PromarkerD is global,” Dr Lipscombe explained. “With an estimated 500 million people living with diabetes worldwide, early detection tools like PromarkerD can play a major role in reducing the burden of diabetic kidney disease.”

Future Innovations in Precision Diagnostics

Beyond PromarkerD, Proteomics International is advancing its Promarker® platform to develop tests for other major diseases, including esophageal cancer (PromarkerEso) and endometriosis (PromarkerEndo). The company’s DTC digital solution, introduced for PromarkerD, can be replicated for future diagnostic tests, further strengthening its position in precision medicine.

“We are committed to delivering cutting-edge diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes,” Dr Lipscombe concluded. “With PromarkerD now available in Australia, we’re one step closer to transforming diabetes management on a global scale.”

As the fight against diabetic kidney disease intensifies, Proteomics International’s PromarkerD offers a proactive approach to tackling one of the country’s most pressing health challenges. Investors will be watching closely as the company expands its footprint both locally and internationally.