This report was first published on healthandcare.scot

Academics, the NHS, and industry are to work together in efforts to improve the lives of people with chronic kidney disease.

The ‘triple helix partnership’ of NHS Scotland, the universities of Dundee and Glasgow and AstraZeneca will look to develop new medicines to slow the progression of the disease, build infrastructure and enhance expertise in renal clinical trial delivery in Scotland.

It is hoped the work will reduce the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation and improve outcomes for the estimated 600,000 people living in Scotland with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Tom Keith-Roach, AstraZeneca UK President, said:

"Scotland is setting a bold ambition to change the trajectory of chronic kidney disease.

“We are thrilled to invest in a partnership with the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, and the Scottish government to speed up the study of three potential new combination medicines to treat this disease.

“The triple helix of industry, academia and NHS Scotland is a powerful force with the potential to transform care and outcomes for people.

CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively.

There is no cure though, if the condition is detected early enough, treatment can slow or halt its progression.

If CKD progresses, the only treatment options for patients are dialysis or a transplant.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, said the partnership is a “shining example” of how a triple helix approach of academia, the NHS, and industry can accelerate health studies:

"As we navigate the complex issue of CKD, our commitment to patient-centred research remains unwavering.

“Together we can advance targeted studies into medicines that slow progression of the disease and reduce the need for dialysis or transplantation, strengthen our workforce through dedicated research fellows and specialised training, provide greater opportunities for patients, and enable Scotland to attract and deliver more innovative trials.”

The national research charity Kidney Research UK has welcomed news of the research partnership.

The charity's policy lead (Scotland), Bushra Riaz, said:

“Our report Kidney Disease: A public health emergency, published last year, showed that there are 607,000 people living with CKD in Scotland and this number is growing rapidly.

“Without interventions to stop the progression of kidney disease, the number of people reliant on dialysis to keep them alive could rise from 2,100 to as many as 10,000 by 2033.

“We need more ways to help prevent the progression of CKD for people to lead healthier lives for longer allowing them to continue to work and support economy, therefore this investment in research is welcome news.”

Life sciences is recognised as one of Scotland’s fastest growing sectors, with recent data showing total turnover surpassed £10bn in 2021 – well beyond target.

AstraZeneca’s President said he believes Scotland is “well placed” for future collaboration across a number of disease areas and to attract investment to the country’s already thriving life sciences sector.

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at Scottish government, has also welcomed the partnership, which she said will build upon the excellent infrastructure and expertise across the country:

“I welcome this partnership with AstraZeneca which builds upon the excellent research infrastructure and expertise we have in Scotland, to drive the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease.

“We must all work together to improve the outcomes and life circumstances for people living with kidney disease; and this partnership enables the fusion of medical expertise, knowledge, and insight from across NHS, academia, and industry.”