New medication will treat polycystic kidney disease

Until recently, a kidney transplant was the only option for patients diagnosed with PKD.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 12 million patients all around the globe. In the terminal stage of the disease, only dialysis or a kidney transplant can save a patient. Until now, many patients in need of a transplant ran into difficulties because of long waiting lists for the appropriate organ, as well as the high price of the operation and rehabilitation. 

Experts at the UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new medication that can significantly improve the condition of patients suffering from PKD. You can find the results of the drug tests on mice on the center’s website. 

Swollen kidneys are one of the main symptoms of this disease. The new drug can reduce swelling by half. 

The medication blocks microRNA-17, a molecule that disrupts the normal functioning of other types of RNA. This disruption leads to the formation of kidney cysts. 

Scientists conducted their first tests of the drug last year, and they are currently carrying out additional tests that should confirm that the drug does not have any side effects for humans. The next step will be to perform full-scale clinical trials on patient.