AI Algorithm Assesses Progressive Decline in Kidney Function
Posted on 15 Oct 2025
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 700 million people worldwide and remains a major global health challenge. The condition often progresses silently, and many patients remain undiagnosed until significant kidney damage has occurred. Early detection and accurate risk assessment are critical to slowing disease progression, preventing kidney failure, and reducing cardiovascular complications. Now, a first-ever artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool offers a way to predict kidney function decline earlier and more precisely.
Roche (Basel, Switzerland), in collaboration with KlinRisk, Inc. (Las Vegas, NV, USA, has developed the Kidney Klinrisk Algorithm, a machine learning-based in vitro diagnostic software that analyzes data from routine blood and urine tests to estimate a patient’s likelihood of kidney function decline. It can be applied to adults with CKD stages G1–G4 and to those with diabetes or hypertension who are at elevated risk of developing CKD. The model integrates multiple input factors, aligns recommendations with clinical guidelines, and helps physicians make more informed, individualized treatment decisions.
By combining Roche’s digital infrastructure with KlinRisk's predictive technology, this tool enables accurate, cloud-based risk assessment that is integrated directly into hospital systems. With its early prediction capability, the algorithm can help clinicians intervene sooner, optimize treatment, and reduce costly complications, such as dialysis and transplantation. It also supports health systems by improving adherence to guideline-directed medical therapies and lowering long-term healthcare expenditures linked to kidney disease.
The Kidney Klinrisk Algorithm has received CE-mark, making it the first CE-marked AI-based risk stratification tool for assessing progressive kidney function decline. It is currently available in Europe and the UK, with future launches planned for the US, the Middle East, and Asia. This innovation marks a major step toward proactive and data-driven CKD management. The algorithm forms part of Roche’s new Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) algorithm panel, available on the navify Algorithm Suite. The panel also includes the CE-marked Kidney KFRE Algorithm, which allows clinicians to assess risk across all stages of CKD, from early asymptomatic stages to advanced disease.
“The launch of the AI-based Kidney Klinrisk Algorithm as part of our chronic kidney disease algorithm panel represents a significant advancement in the fight against this often silent, progressive disease. The panel is designed to support physicians in making more informed decisions and managing patients’ kidney function at every stage of the disease, especially for those at risk but not yet diagnosed,” said Matt Sause, CEO, Roche Diagnostics.
