Artificial kidneys could save millions of lives someday
The news
KidneyX recently announced the winners of the $3.9 million Phase 1 of the KidneyX Artificial Kidney Prize. KidneyX is a public-private innovation accelerator program created in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Society of Nephrology. It seeks to improve the lives of people with kidney diseases by accelerating the development of drugs, devices, biologics, and other therapies across the spectrum of kidney care.
The Artificial Kidney Prize called for component or integrated prototype solutions that enable and improve the functionality, efficacy, and reliability of artificial kidneys. The winning entries were
- a genetically-engineered pig kidney xenotransplantation;
- a smart module for implantable, wearable, or bed-side artificial kidneys;
- a treatment for kidney failure;
- an implantable bioartificial kidney for continuous renal replacement therapy;
- an artificial kidney to improve vitality;
- and a dialysate-free waterless portable and implantable artificial kidney.
The bigger picture
Kidney disease is not uncommon. More than 850 million people worldwide live with minor or major kidney problems. But unfortunately, current treatment methods have not significantly changed for more than 60 years. That’s why breakthroughs in research are imperative.
The development of a universal donor organ that would allow anyone to receive the benefits of a functioning kidney (including the benefits of additional sensors that could monitor the patient's overall health) would be such a breakthrough.
However, basic work is still needed. And even as research makes progress, it remains consistently underfunded. Therefore, prizes like those offered by KidneyX are essential. Not only for monetary reasons, but also from a marketing perspective.