Merck Millipore and Proteomics International Announce Collaboration for Validation of Biomarkers of Diabetic Nephropathy

31-Jan-2012 - USA

Merck Millipore and Proteomics International announced a collaboration to validate biomarkers related to diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease). Diabetic nephropathy is a significant complication of diabetes; of the 280 million people affected by diabetes worldwide, 10-20% are expected to die of kidney failure.

Under the collaboration, Proteomics International will assess its thirteen newly identified putative protein biomarkers by using Merck Millipore’s multiplex immunoassays. The biomarkers include proteins involved in metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Once validated, the biomarkers could be used to monitor the progression and prognosis of kidney disease in patients with diabetes.

Currently, diabetic nephropathy is screened using the microalbumin test, a single biomarker in the urine that has limited utility, however, in predicting and monitoring disease progression. Several of the newly identified biomarkers show promise in enhancing the current screening methods by identifying a signature of biomarkers in the blood that can better represent disease prediction and progression. Proteomics International will also utilize its extensive sample repository of relevant clinical specimens to assess additional biomarkers developed by Merck Millipore.

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