Aptar Digital Health, a global leader in digital health innovation, has announced a strategic licensing agreement with AstraZeneca to develop and commercialize advanced algorithms for detecting cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions—most notably chronic kidney disease (CKD). This partnership represents a major step forward in utilizing digital diagnostics to enhance early detection and patient outcomes in these high-burden disease areas.
CKD affects between 8% and 16% of the global population and remains significantly underdiagnosed, often going unnoticed by both patients and healthcare professionals. While commonly linked to diabetes and hypertension, CKD can also result from infections, environmental exposures, genetic predisposition, and autoimmune conditions. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular complications, and premature mortality.
Through this agreement, Aptar Digital Health will harness AstraZeneca’s AI-driven screening algorithms, originally developed using thousands of biomarkers and diagnostic data points. These cutting-edge tools will be integrated into ophthalmology practices by enabling fundus imaging examinations—traditionally used to screen for diabetic retinopathy—to also identify early signs of CKD.
“This collaboration allows Aptar Digital Health to expand its capabilities in digital diagnostics and biomarkers,” said Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma. “We are proud to partner with AstraZeneca to advance a non-invasive method that supports earlier CKD identification.”
Romain Marmot, President of Aptar Digital Health, emphasized the clinical value, noting, “With early detection and timely care, patients with CKD have the potential for significantly improved outcomes. This AI-based tool will help primary care and eye care professionals intervene earlier.”
Mina Makar, Senior Vice President, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism at AstraZeneca, added, “This partnership is part of our broader commitment to tackle CKD through innovative diagnostics and sustainable healthcare solutions.”
Following development, the solution will undergo clinical validation and be rolled out through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, ophthalmic device manufacturers, and care systems—demonstrating Aptar Digital Health’s expertise in delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions to the healthcare ecosystem.