Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutic Targets for Calcification in CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predisposes affected individuals to high rates of end stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. Despite increasing utilization of interventions that target traditional risk factors, the frequency of adverse clinical events remains high. Novel strategies targeting non-traditional risk factors are urgently needed to improve outcomes. Vascular calcification is a non-traditional risk factor for CKD progression and CVD in CKD. Validation of novel screening tests to define high-risk individuals before they develop vascular calcification and insights into novel vascular calcification mechanisms in CKD would enhance risk stratification and CVD and CKD management and potentially prevent adverse clinical events. Backed by strong preliminary data, we will efficiently leverage the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study to advance the vascular calcification field by evaluating the novel T50 assay as a candidate biomarker and elevated levels of deoxycholic acid as a possible modifiable disease mechanism.