Columbia Technology Ventures

Biomarkers for diagnosing acute kidney injury subtypes and improved treatment

This technology identifies urine biomarkers that distinguish between two types of acute kidney injury (AKI) and recommends treatments based on the identified subtype.

Unmet Need: Biomarkers to differentiate volume-dependent and ischemic acute kidney injury

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is common among hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of developing further conditions such as kidney disease, stroke, or heart disease. AKI presents in various forms, notably volume-dependent (vAKI) and ischemic (iAKI); however, the biological distinction between these two forms of AKI is not well understood and their appropriate treatments are not optimized. Identifying key biomarkers distinguishing the forms of AKI will improve diagnosing the condition, and guide the appropriate therapeutic interventions.

The Technology: Protein biomarkers enable rapid diagnosis, distinction, and treatment of acute kidney injury subtypes

This technology describes a method of using protein biomarkers present in the urine to rapidly diagnose, differentiate between, and treat vAKI and iAKI. In particular, four key protein biomarkers are identified that not only indicate AKI but also distinguish between vAKI and iAKI based on characteristic expression patterns. By rapidly identifying AKI and distinguishing between subtypes, this technology provides a clinical tool for improved diagnosis and management of kidney injury. This technology also provides specific treatment regimens based on AKI subtype.

This technology has been validated in a mouse model and human patient samples.

Applications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of vAKI and iAKI
  • Biomarkers for continued monitoring of vAKI and iAKI
  • Research tool for studying the differences between vAKI and iAKI
  • Treatment of vAKI and iAKI

Advantages:

  • Protein biomarkers rapidly distinguish between vAKI and iAKI
  • Provides molecular targets for drug development to treat AKI
  • Presence of the protein biomarkers in urine enables facile diagnosis
  • Treatment is personalized to AKI subtype

Lead Inventor:

Jonathan Barasch, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

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