Evotec Joins NURTuRE-AKI Consortium to Advance Acute Kidney Injury Research

Evotec SE, a prominent life sciences company based in Hamburg, Germany, has announced its participation in the NURTuRE-AKI consortium, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding of acute kidney injury (AKI) through a comprehensive patient cohort study. This collaboration, revealed on June 25, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the quest for innovative therapeutic strategies against AKI, a condition characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function, often leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heightened mortality risks.

NURTuRE-AKI is designed to be an observational study that will gather longitudinal data and biological samples from consented AKI patients. The consortium, spearheaded by Kidney Research UK, will focus on three specific cohorts: patients with AKI resulting from iatrogenic causes, those transitioning from AKI to CKD, and pediatric patients experiencing AKI. This initiative aims not only to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of AKI but also to foster targeted drug discovery to combat this urgent health issue.

According to Dr. Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer at Evotec, “NURTuRE-AKI will unlock the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers based on comprehensive molecular and clinical patient data. This will accelerate the development of targeted therapies for a disease with a high unmet medical need, providing immense benefits for millions of patients worldwide.” This statement underscores the consortium’s commitment to addressing AKI, which currently lacks preventive or therapeutic treatments.

The longitudinal design of the study will include the collection of blood, urine, and biopsy samples, which will undergo advanced omics analyses, forming what is anticipated to be the most comprehensive patient cohort for AKI and AKI-to-CKD worldwide. The data gathered will be integrated into Evotec’s Molecular Patient Database (E.MPD), enhancing the company’s capabilities in precision medicine and drug development programs.

Elaine Davies, Director of Research Operations at Kidney Research UK, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “We are delighted to be partnering with Evotec and our other collaborators to develop NURTuRE-AKI, which will form a crucial resource for future research and innovation.”

Historically, AKI has been linked to various factors, including alterations in blood pressure and the use of contrast agents during angiography, particularly in cardiac surgery contexts. The incidence of AKI in patients undergoing such surgeries can be as high as 30%, with approximately two million open-heart surgeries performed globally each year. The understanding gleaned from NURTuRE-AKI is expected to inform not only treatment paradigms for AKI but also strategies to prevent its progression to CKD.

This three-year initiative will be executed through collaborations with 13 NHS Trusts, with careful follow-ups at designated intervals to gather clinical data alongside biological samples. The study aims to collect data from 400 adult cardiac surgery patients, 150 pediatric cardiac surgery patients, and an additional 400 adults experiencing AKI-to-CKD progression.

The NURTuRE initiative, which includes the newly developed NURTuRE-AKI, is designed to expedite the discovery of new treatments via the secure provision of biological samples and data. With previous cohorts yielding new findings in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), the NURTuRE-AKI initiative is poised to similarly revolutionize diagnosis and care for kidney disease patients.

In summary, Evotec's involvement in the NURTuRE-AKI consortium reflects a strategic move towards deepening molecular insights into AKI and enhancing drug discovery capabilities. This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the future landscape of kidney disease treatment, potentially changing the trajectory for millions affected by these conditions. As the consortium progresses, the results of its findings may lead to groundbreaking developments in the management and treatment of AKI and its long-term complications.