Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX:PIQ), a leader in precision diagnostics, has announced groundbreaking clinical findings regarding its PromarkerD predictive blood test. The test demonstrates significant prognostic accuracy for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Aboriginal Australians, a group that faces one of the highest risks of kidney failure worldwide. This announcement was made on December 15, 2025, in Perth, marking a potential turning point in healthcare for this vulnerable population.
The study, published in the Internal Medicine Journal, reveals that PromarkerD shows acceptable and clinically meaningful predictive accuracy for diabetes-related chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal people with diabetes. Importantly, there was no statistically significant difference in test performance between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants, underscoring the test’s broad applicability.
Clinical Significance and National Health Impact
The high negative predictive value of PromarkerD, exceeding 85%, positions it as a powerful tool for ruling out medium-term kidney decline. This capability is particularly crucial given that the burden of DKD is over seven times higher for Aboriginal Australians compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The next-generation PromarkerD test is now accessible to type-2 diabetes patients in Australia through various health channels, potentially revolutionizing the approach to diabetes management in these communities.
The findings are based on an analysis of 1,081 adults with diabetes, including 71 Aboriginal participants, from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II and the Aboriginal Diabetes Sub-study. The study evaluated PromarkerD’s ability to predict incident DKD or rapid decline in kidney function over a four-year period.
Expert Insights and Implications
Dr. Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, emphasized the disproportionate burden of diabetes and DKD among Aboriginal Australians, often characterized by earlier onset and faster progression. “These findings highlight the need and potential benefit for better prognostic tests validated in these communities,” he stated.
In Aboriginal participants, the next-gen PromarkerD demonstrated acceptable predictive performance, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.71. This was not statistically different from the non-Aboriginal cohort’s AUC of 0.89. The test’s high negative predictive values, or ‘rule-out’ rates, indicate that a low PromarkerD score reliably identifies individuals unlikely to experience kidney function decline in the near term.
Professor Tim Davis, consultant physician and endocrinologist at Fremantle Hospital, remarked, “These findings show that PromarkerD has potential to support earlier, more accurate identification of kidney disease risk in Aboriginal people with type 2 diabetes. Early prediction is critical in this population, and a reliable test such as PromarkerD can help clinicians focus preventive care where it is needed most.”
Publication and Broader Context
The publication, titled ‘The prognostic value of a plasma protein-based biomarker test for chronic kidney disease complicating diabetes in Aboriginal Australians’, is available in the Internal Medicine Journal. This leading publication in the region disseminates original medical research globally and plays a significant role in continuing medical education through its review articles.
PromarkerD is a validated blood test capable of predicting DKD up to four years before clinical symptoms appear. This early detection supports doctors in making informed treatment decisions, potentially improving outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.
About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd
Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ), a subsidiary of PILL, is at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. Specializing in proteomics—the large-scale study of proteins’ structure and function—the company is dedicated to enhancing life quality through innovative tools that improve disease treatment.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of PromarkerD represents a significant advancement in addressing the healthcare disparities faced by Aboriginal Australians. The test’s ability to predict and potentially prevent the progression of diabetic kidney disease could lead to more targeted and effective healthcare interventions, ultimately improving the lives of those most at risk.
