AstraZeneca and Aptar Digital Health have announced a licensing agreement to develop and commercialize artificial intelligence algorithms for the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions through eye examinations.
The collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge AI-driven screening algorithms initially developed by AstraZeneca to detect early signs of CKD during routine fundus imaging examinations. This approach mirrors existing screening methods for diabetes and could significantly improve early diagnosis rates for a condition that often goes unrecognized.
The Silent Epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD affects between 8% and 16% of the global population and is frequently undetected by both patients and healthcare providers. The condition is expected to become the fifth leading cause of mortality globally by 2040, highlighting the urgent need for improved screening methods.
While CKD is commonly associated with diabetes and hypertension, other factors including glomerulonephritis, infections, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition also contribute to its development. Advanced CKD is linked to numerous negative health outcomes, including end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality.
"Chronic kidney disease remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with persistently low diagnosis rates," said Mina Makar, Senior Vice President of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism at AstraZeneca. "This partnership with Aptar represents an exciting opportunity to drive innovation in chronic kidney disease management and our commitment to enhance diagnostics in novel ways."
AI-Powered Detection Through Eye Examinations
The technology developed by AstraZeneca is based on thousands of biomarkers and diagnosis data points, with preliminary research showing promising results in supporting broader screening and early detection of CKD. The approach would allow ophthalmologists to screen for early signs of kidney disease during standard fundus imaging examinations.
Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We are delighted to collaborate with AstraZeneca to progress the development and deployment of an innovative and non-intrusive method to help with earlier identification of CKD."
The partnership enables Aptar Digital Health to expand its capabilities in biomarkers and digital diagnostics, creating new opportunities to leverage digital health technology for earlier disease detection.
Clinical Evaluation and Market Deployment
Following the development phase, the solution will undergo rigorous clinical evaluation to support market access and deployment. The technology will be made available through various stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, ophthalmic machine manufacturers, and healthcare systems.
Romain Marmot, President of Aptar Digital Health, emphasized the potential impact on patient outcomes: "With early detection and timely treatment, patients are likely to experience better health outcomes. This collaboration aims to enhance the overall quality of care for patients with CKD by providing an innovative and effective early detection tool."
AstraZeneca's Broader CKD Strategy
This partnership represents part of AstraZeneca's comprehensive approach to addressing CKD. The company's SGLT2 inhibitor Farxiga/Forxiga (dapagliflozin) was the first in its class to receive regulatory approval for CKD treatment and serves as the foundation for several combination therapies in development.
AstraZeneca has also established digital health partnerships with companies like Health2Sync to develop patient management programs for CKD and is working with HealthShare on pre-consultation clinical questionnaires for screening. Additionally, the company is utilizing ImpediMed's bioimpedance spectroscopy technology in clinical trials to measure fluid status and tissue composition.
Expanding Digital Health Capabilities
For Aptar Digital Health, which expanded into the digital space through acquisitions of Cohero in 2020 and Voluntis in 2021, this collaboration demonstrates its growing capabilities in building scalable digital health solutions using AI and data science.
The company has been developing various digital support tools for patients, including a disease management platform currently being used by Chiesi for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"We are collaborating at scale to deliver sustainable solutions for millions of people living with chronic kidney disease worldwide," added Makar, highlighting the potential global impact of this technology.
The partnership between AstraZeneca and Aptar Digital Health represents a significant step forward in leveraging digital technology to address one of healthcare's most challenging conditions, potentially transforming how CKD is detected and managed worldwide.
