THERAPEUTIC AREAS

Nephrology

Nephrology deals with the study of normal kidney function, preservation of kidney health, the knowledge and treatment of kidney diseases, from diet and medication (including electrolyte disturbances) to renal replacement therapy (dialysis and transplantation).

services

innovation

Definition

Nephrology covers the study of normal kidney function, preservation of kidney health, and the treatment of kidney diseases, from diet and medication – including electrolyte disturbances – to renal replacement therapy (dialysis and transplantation). Many diseases affecting the kidneys are systemic disorders not limited to the organ itself. They include acquired conditions such as ageing, diabetes, systemic vasculitis and autoimmune diseases; and systemic disorders that occur as a result of kidney disease, such as hypertension and renal osteodystrophy, as well as congenital or genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease.

Epidemiology

Kidney failure is a worldwide public health problem, with increasing incidence and prevalence, high costs and poor outcomes. These include loss of kidney function, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. Despite disagreement over measuring of the exact prevalence rate of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in the general population, the CKD burden is increasing with additional epidemics of known or unknown origin. Other kidney-related conditions such as glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, acute kidney injury (AKI), and urinary tract infections also contribute to the global kidney disease burden.

Medical need

Strategies to improve outcomes require a global effort directed at all stages of CKD. There are both numerous challenges and upcoming developments in many different fields of nephrology.

These include diabetes and the role of podocytes apoptosis; obstruction-induced renal fibrosis; glomerulopathies (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies); hemodialysis (endothelial adhesion molecule levels); anemia (targeting the HIF pathway); improving the predictive potential of various conditions on AKI; and the role of inhibitors and endothelin antagonists in slowing the progression of kidney disease.

It is important to note that most representative research studies employ animal modeling.

Urosphere’s positioning

To support R&D development in nephrology, UROSPHERE has developed a portfolio of preclinical models of chronic and acute kidney diseases. These cover diabetic nephropathy, kidney fibrosis and glomerulopathies.

Our Services & Innovation

Urosphere’s experimental platform consists of both in vivo and in vitro pharmacological assays. We also provide access to a unique biobank of PDX preclinical models from urogenital cancers.

Finally, Urophere offers consultancy services for the preclinical development of your compounds.