MediBeacon, a portfolio company within the Pansend Life Sciences platform of HC2 Holdings, has announced the successful completion of a real-time, point of care renal function clinical study on subjects with impaired kidney function at Washington University in St. Louis. During the clinical study, kidney function was measured in subjects ranging from normal to impaired Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The study also included subjects at St. Louis University Hospital.

MediBeacon’s proposed Transdermal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Monitor uses an optical skin sensor combined with a proprietary fluorescent tracer agent that glows in the presence of light. The system has been designed to provide clinicians continuous real-time monitoring of kidney function with no need for blood sampling.

“Completion of our clinical study on patients with impaired kidney function represents an important milestone,” said Steve Hanley, MediBeacon chief executive officer. “We anticipate beginning our multicenter clinical study including sites in the United States and Europe during the fourth quarter 2017.”

Blood samples taken in clinical practice today provide only time-delayed estimates and suffer from variability that may lead to inaccuracies. “Methods to assess kidney function have not changed in 25 years,” said Dr. Richard Solomon, Patrick Professor of Medicine and Director, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at The University of Vermont College of Medicine. “MediBeacon’s point of care system could represent a major breakthrough in measuring kidney function.”

“We are extremely excited by the continued progress MediBeacon has made in validating their technology,” said Philip Falcone, HC2’s Chairman, chief executive officer and President. “Over time, MediBeacon’s innovations have the potential to improve patient care and reduce costs to the healthcare system.”