Press release
Importance of Urine Protein Albumin as Disease Marker
During International Symposium Organized by the National Kidney Foundation in association with the International Society of Nephrology, Groups Gathered with World Thought Leaders to Discuss Albumin
NEW YORK – July 15, 2004
-Albumin, a protein in urine, is an independent marker as well as an independent therapy target for renal and cardiovascular disease, according to information presented during the International Symposium on Albuminuria, an event organized by the National Kidney Foundation in association with the International Society of Nephrology.
“This event has allowed international thought leaders and supporting academic and clinical organizations to lay the foundation for the generation of consensus,” said Dr. Dick de Zeeuw, Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the University Medical Center of Groningen in the Netherlands, and Chair of the Symposium. “As a result of this event we have brought into focus the requirement for guidelines that specifically define microalbuminuria as a bio-marker that spans the kidney and cardiovascular spectrum. I hope that we can continue with the support of the attending organizations to rally to this cause.”
The Symposium, supported by The American Diabetes Association, American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, European Society of Hypertension, International Diabetes Federation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Heart Association, allowed discussions between organizations and some of the world’s most prominent experts. Up-to-date clinical information was presented on how early detection and treatment of albuminuria can slow, halt or even reverse disease progression. Several presentations discussed measuring albumin, and addressed the need for a global standard in accurate detection and measurement.
“It is imperative to use this Symposium and the information presented to create a plan of action for effectively measuring albumin. We believe this important meeting will increase international cooperation in this effort, which will impact patient care around the globe,” said Dr. Brian Pereira, President of the National Kidney Foundation. “We recommend everyone with diabetes who is between 12 and 70 years of age should have a urine test for microalbuminuria at least once a year. While microalbuminuria can be effectively managed by improving blood glucose control, reducing blood pressure, and modifying the diet, early detection is paramount.”
“We are committed to raising awareness about the importance of urine testing and continuing the vital dialogues and information exchange started during the Symposium,” confirmed Dr. Jan J. Weening, President of the International Society of Nephrology.
It is hoped that the second event, which is to be held in Europe in spring 2005, will bring together those that attended and an expanded group of key cardiovascular, renal and diabetic constituent organizations to continue to develop a strategy on the topic of definition, detection, measurement and treatment of albuminuria.
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The International Symposium on Albuminuria
was made possible by an educational grant by AusAm Biotechnologies, Inc.
The National Kidney Foundation
is a major voluntary health organization which seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN)
is committed to the worldwide advancement of education, science and patient care in nephrology. This goal is achieved by means of the Society’s journal, the organization of international congresses and symposia, and various outreach programs around the world. The ISN acts as an international forum on nephrology for leading nephrologists as well as young investigators, from both developed and emerging countries. Further information is available at
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AusAm Biotechnologies, Inc.
is a biotechnology research and development company commercializing both diagnostic and therapeutic products to identify and treat major diseases. Accumin(TM), AusAm’s FDA-cleared diagnostic for the detection of intact albumin in urine, is the first direct test to measure a potential indicator of the beginning stages of kidney disease and it is currently offered by several reference laboratories and hospitals in the United States. For more information, visit
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