A new test to predict vascular diseases using kidney cell markers in urine
Official title: Podocyturia based assay as a predictive biomarker for systemic vascular diseases
Funded at Teucer Biotech, INC. · NIH-11065195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to spot early signs of heart problems by checking for special kidney cells in your urine, which could help doctors catch issues before you even feel symptoms, making it easier to take action early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Teucer Biotech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $306,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL177857-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases or those with established CVD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel biomarker called podocyturia, which involves the detection of specialized kidney cells in urine. By analyzing these cells, researchers aim to identify early signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) before symptoms appear, such as hypertension or heart attacks. The approach focuses on the relationship between kidney cell injury and vascular health, potentially providing a more accurate prediction of CVD risk compared to traditional methods like measuring albumin levels. Patients will be monitored for podocyte shedding, which occurs without the complications of albumin reabsorption, allowing for earlier intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using urinary biomarkers for early detection of vascular diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Teucer Biotech, INC.
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Badr, Kamal — Teucer Biotech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Badr, Kamal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Topical HIF-1 inhibitors to treat retinal and choroidal vascular diseases
A Johns Hopkins team is testing eye drops that block HIF-1 to help people with retinal and choroidal blood vessel problems respond better to treatment.
-
A portable photoacoustic device to help diagnose vascular diseases
A small, battery-powered imaging tool uses light and sound to help detect blood vessel problems at the point of care without harming patients.
-
Mitochondrial function and retinal blood vessel disease
This grant explores how tiny power plants inside cells (mitochondria) influence the growth of retinal blood vessels in conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, with the goal of finding new paths to protect vision.
-
How blood vessel and immune cell metabolism shapes artery disease
This project looks at how changes in energy use inside artery-lining cells, artery muscle cells, and immune cells affect people with atherosclerosis.
-
Handheld light-and-sound scanner for blood vessel problems
A portable device that uses safe light-plus-ultrasound imaging to find and monitor blood vessel problems for people with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
-
How mitochondria affect retinal blood vessel health
This project looks at whether problems in mitochondria change how blood vessels grow in the retina, which matters to people with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or other retinal blood-vessel diseases.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.