Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
09:00
Microdissection of Primary Renal Tissue Segments and Incorporation with Novel Scaffold-free Construct Technology
Published on: March 27, 2018
7.9K
A Technology Roadmap for Innovative Approaches to Kidney Replacement Therapies: A Catalyst for Change
Joseph V Bonventre1,2, Frank P Hurst3, Melissa West4
1Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
|September 29, 2019
Summary
End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) affects millions globally, with current dialysis treatments offering limited innovation and poor outcomes. A new technology roadmap aims to accelerate the development of novel kidney replacement therapies (KRT).
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) impacts over 2.6 million worldwide, with current dialysis therapies associated with high morbidity, mortality, and poor quality of life.
- Despite significant scientific advancements, innovation in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) has lagged for approximately 70 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a technology roadmap for innovative kidney replacement therapies (KRT) to address unmet patient needs.
- To identify key scientific, technical, regulatory, and payor milestones for KRT commercialization and patient access.
Main Methods:
- Convening a multidisciplinary group through the Kidney Health Initiative, a public-private partnership.
- Identifying essential design criteria for replacing kidney functions and system enablers.
- Establishing timelines for KRT development and commercialization.
Main Results:
- The roadmap outlines necessary advancements in areas such as kidney biology, stem cells, biomaterials, sensors, and engineering.
- It identifies system enablers including vascular access, biomaterial development, and monitoring.
- The roadmap guides innovation through initiatives like KidneyX prizes.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is crucial for driving disruptive innovation in KRT.
- The roadmap provides a framework to accelerate the development and accessibility of next-generation kidney therapies.
- Addressing regulatory and financial pathways is essential for successful KRT commercialization.
Keywords:
RRT accessUnited States Food and Drug Administrationbiocompatible materialsblood filtrationchronic kidney failuredialysiselectrolyte homeostasiskidneykidney bioengineeringkidney chimeraskidney dialysiskidney organoidmicrotechnologymotivationnephrologyproximal tubulepublic-private sector partnershipsquality of liferenal dialysisrenal replacement therapysecretiontoxicityurinary tract physiological phenomena; stem cellsxenotransplantation
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
349
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
349
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
297
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
297
01:26Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
180
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is an essential intervention for patients experiencing severe kidney dysfunction. This therapy offers a continuous mechanism for removing fluids and toxins from the bloodstream, leveraging the patient’s blood pressure to facilitate filtration through a specialized filter. This method contrasts with intermittent dialysis, providing a gentler and more consistent removal of waste products and excess fluid, which is particularly beneficial in...
180
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
346
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
346
01:30Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
869
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...
869
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
325
Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living...
325