IDEXX's Kidney Function Test Included In IRIS Staging Views

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) has announced that the SDMA-based chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging guidelines have now been generated and approved by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Per this recognition, IDEXX is partnering with IRIS to support veterinarians in understanding the medical efficacy of the SDMA test and in generating tools that will help form the basis of future veterinary medicine and patient care.

The much-awaited development will help clinicians assess kidney function, with reliable and quantitative guidelines. The update echoes the evolution of veterinarians’ understanding of the utility of SDMA since it was first added to the IRIS CKD staging guidelines in 2015.

With the development, IDEXX aims to fortify its ground in the CKD market, with reference to animal care.

Few Words About SDMA

SDMA or Symmetric dimethylarginine is a kidney biomarker that helps veterinarians detect the level of kidney function in cats and dogs. Thus, it is an effective measure to address renal health of animal populations by monitoring kidney functions and effectively categorize the stage of failure.

Why is the Inclusion a Breakthrough?

IRIS mainly focuses on providing evidence-based guidance for diagnosing, treating and managing kidney diseases to the veterinarians. IRIS believes that the inclusion of SDMA-based staging guidelines is the founding stone of deciphering the key indicator of renal function.

Currently, SDMA has been widely adopted by many veterinarians to provide better patient care. With the updated staging guidelines, clinicians will be able to better understand the efficacy of SDMA and how to interpret it more accurately.

Industry Prospects

Per a report by Grand View Research, the global animal health market size is expected to reach $69.44 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 5%. The key factors driving the market are the ongoing technological developments happening in the veterinary care market as well as a considerable upsurge in the zoonotic and food-borne diseases globally.

Given the huge potential in the animal care industry, the inclusion and approval of the staging guidelines have come at the right time.

Comparison With Peers

In the pet care space, a number of players are actively looking to tap the bountiful market opportunities. IDEXX’s peer, Patterson Companies (NASDAQ:PDCO) , has recently launched and integrated a cloud-based veterinary practice management software NaVetor for its Animal Health segment.

PetMed Express, Inc (NASDAQ:PETS) is currently engaged in increasing its market presence by spending on advertisements.

In September 2019, another company in the animal healthcare market, Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) , has recently received the European Commission’s nod to market Simparica Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel) chewable tablets (a once-monthly triple combination antiparasitic medication) for dogs with, or at risk from, mixed external and internal parasitic infestations.

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