Scientists in Tel Aviv Slowing Kidney Deterioration

March 20, 2019

by: Kate Norman

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), or chronic kidney failure, affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide. Illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure can lead to the gradual loss of kidney function, which requires dialysis or kidney replacement when patients advance to End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

According to the American Kidney Fund, an estimated 31 million people—10% of adults—in the United States alone suffer from CKD. The organization also revealed that kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the States.

KidneyCure Ltd., based in Tel Aviv, has developed a way to postpone the progression of kidney failure and the need for significant treatments like dialysis or a transplant. The treatment involves extracting kidney cells from the patient, rejuvenating the cells and replacing them into the kidney as healthy cells, improving overall kidney function.

Though KidneyCure’s treatment will not cure the deteriorating kidney, it is expected to significantly delay the approach of ESRD and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Israel21c reported that the scientists believe their revolutionary treatment will delay kidney deterioration by a year or more. The company has only tested the treatment on mice so far, but will begin clinical testing this year.

According to KidneyCure’s website, life expectancy for nearly 65% of dialysis patients does not surpass five years. The Tel Aviv-based scientists are seeking to prevent the progression of the disease to that advanced stage and improve the quality of life for patients who would have to spend hours each week in the hospital hooked up to the dialysis machine.

Source: Bridges for Peace

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