Renalytix Share Discussion Threads

[wan] 11/8/2020 07:45

Most readers will be aware of the recent Mount Sinai Health System and Renalytix initiation of a multi-centre study to conduct in-depth investigations into kidney-related complications and long-term outcomes linked to COVID-19.

The following transcript provides more (sobering) context -

Samira S. Farouk, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

The Kidney and COVID-19: What We Know so Far
Samira S. Farouk, MD, MS; Matthew Sparks, MD

August 10, 2020

Sparks: How many patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who had COVID-19 and AKI would require kidney replacement therapy?

Farouk: It's hard to give a number, but it would definitely be upwards of 50%, 60%, or even 70%. As nephrology consultants, we are obviously called for the patients who require dialysis in the ICU, and at the peak there were many more patients requiring dialysis in the ICU than we had ever seen before.

Summary
Sparks: Great. Let me summarize what we talked about with COVID-19 and the kidneys. One, it has provided an opportunity for and also showed the importance of nephrology care during a pandemic. Two, kidney injury is common, and if that develops, especially in an ICU, the need for kidney replacement therapy is high. We as a workforce, as a group, need to understand that and have the resources available. SARS-CoV-2 could impact the kidney but it's likely a rare event. Most AKI episodes are from acute tubular necrosis, which can be from a variety of things — the illness, being sick in hospital or in the ICU, hemodynamic factors, and other things. The risk in patients on dialysis or those with transplant is definitely not lower and may be comparable to that of the general population or slightly worse. We need to stay vigilant to ensure that this vulnerable group of patients socially distance, wear a mask, and do all the things that need to be done to diminish the risk.

Are Hospitals Better Prepared?
Sparks: Are hospitals in the United States better prepared for kidney complications now? What are the long-term implications for individuals who have gone through COVID-19 and have experienced AKI?

Farouk: Having been in a New York hospital that was in the epicenter, with a very high volume of patients requiring dialysis and kidney replacement therapies, I definitely think we are better prepared if we were to experience a second wave. In the initial few weeks as the peak was developing, we tried different tactics to make sure we were using our dialysis resources in the most effective way possible. We are well equipped to roll those out again. We put strategies in place to ensure that faculty and trainees were not assigned to too many patients. We could reinstitute those rescheduling plans. We had specific plans for our nursing staff to ensure safety as well as adequate patient care. We would likely bring back the utilization of acute peritoneal dialysis in the ICU. We have a plan written down and ready to go in the event of another surge. Obviously, we hope that does not happen.

The second question, about long-term effects on patients, unfortunately is something that we do not know. I think most experts would agree that there will likely be some long-standing impact on the kidneys and this will likely become an important cause of chronic kidney disease. Many institutions, including ours, have begun to build COVID-19 follow-up care centers, not only to better understand the long-term sequelae of this disease, but also to provide care for patients who may develop long-term organ damage. I know this has also been seen in the pulmonary world with persistent pulmonary symptoms like cough or shortness of breath.


I don't think the kidney is much different. We know it can be a somewhat sensitive organ. Those who had severe infection and severe AKI requiring kidney replacement therapy will likely see some long-term sequelae and perhaps, unfortunately, an increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease. What is important is that clinicians and researchers continue to share their data in a rigorous and robust way, with peer review and analysis. As we move forward, we can hopefully put all of the hypotheses and studies together to continue to improve our understanding of this emerging disease process.

Full transcript, well worth a read -

[wan] 11/8/2020 07:32

Nimbo...Analysts and indeed CareDX themselves, acknowledge the fact that new entrants are imminent. And I am quite sure that within those assumptions they include Renalytix and Verici.

[nimbo1] 10/8/2020 19:13

Wan ref competition and care dx I sold on US open this morning taking a 4% loss, so no big deal. (having been 10% up after earnings)....earnings were good, I bet its comments on competition driving down the price.

Renx nasdaq solid...chugging away.

[2theduke] 10/8/2020 19:01

@buster - yes so am I am. I spoke to Halifax on friday. They noted the action took place and stated they were chasing the custodian for an update.
Sounded more like they’ve not really followed up on the action? But at least they acknowledged it was for action.

[nimbo1] 10/8/2020 11:12

yes waiting for HL but I sent them a message and they are contacting the registrar... will update if any news!

[74tom] 10/8/2020 09:33

Yes, not received mine via either HL or Barclays as of yet...

[busterdog2] 10/8/2020 09:25

Still waiting for the Verici shares to appear in my Halifax account. Anyone else in the same boat?

[toffeeman] 10/8/2020 08:59

Got notification of my Verici holding via Guinness AIM EIS - not heard from AJ Bell with other holding. yet.

[74tom] 10/8/2020 08:34

RNLX is up 27% since it’s IPO, if that’s classed as flatlining then I can’t wait to see a real rise! Interesting to see whether we do get analyst coverage & if so whether the Kantaro potential is flagged.

And yes Wan, I agree both the future of Verici & $TECH links are very intriguing. Ever since I discovered the link between James McCulloch & TECH I’ve though that there is a real possibility they may look to acquire RENX in the future. Don’t think anything will happen for a while yet, but the Kantaro venture shows how close they are.

I’m thinking something along the lines of the recent Livongo - Teledoc Health deal, just need RENX to get to $10b market cap first ;)

[peterc1970] 10/8/2020 08:00

From Seeking Alpha - Tuesday - August 11

Premarket: A big day is set in the IPO world with analysts free to post ratings on ALX Oncology (NASDAQ:ALXO), Pandion Therapeutics (NASDAQ:PAND), Berkeley Lights (NASDAQ:BLI) and Renalytix (NASDAQ:RNLX) following the quiet period expiration. ALXO and BCI have skyrocketed since their debuts and are likely to see some sell-side love, while flatlining PAND and RNLX are in greater need of strong defenses from analysts. So far in 2020, IPO quiet period expiration dates have been positive for share prices.

[wan] 10/8/2020 07:56

An aspect I find quite intriguing is the fact the Exosomes diagnostics, which a Bio-Techne company, has (amongst many other things) a kidney transplant rejection urine test in development that is apparently relatively advanced.

As another point of interest, Renalytix CEO James McCullough MBA, served as chief executive officer of Exosome Diagnostics Inc. from 2008 to 2014, which was acquired by Bio-Techne Corporation in 2018.

Renalytix kidney transplant diagnostic portfolio, is now obviously contained within the Verici spin-off.

Perhaps no connection, but clearly there is a strong partnership forming between Bio-Techne and Renalytix. And a suite of blood and urine tests might make for a compelling combination, and CareDX, listed in the US, has recently acknowledged competition is imminent.

[mysteronz] 09/8/2020 14:20

Does anybody have a link to the RNLX retail roadshow presentation? Cant see to find it on the website any more - thanks :)

[74tom] 07/8/2020 21:39

Agree on the worked buys theory - they certainly aren’t sells with the bid rising. Overall a really good week where we gained a much greater understanding of the Kantaro potential. NASDAQ started to wake up at +14% for the week too, just warming up though you feel.

We’re a third of the way through August on Monday so hopefully not long until the next news...

[nimbo1] 06/8/2020 19:14

no idea - I wouldn't worry too much - there are currently large buyers paying more for the shares than we did - delighted with that and to see where it goes next : )

I think its just buy orders which are reported late / when they've been worked. There is volume buying above the mid price where we can buy looking at the trades. All good stuff so far.

[74tom] 06/8/2020 16:41

For the last week or so there has been more volume put through after bell / in matching pairs throughout the afternoon than there has regular buys & sells. Guessing this is related to the dual listing? Has anyone seen this before? NASDAQ is becalmed at present after yesterday's move up...

[mr roper] 06/8/2020 11:12

Even if they pulled in a buck a test we’re looking at $100m plus in annual revenue.

The potential here is staggering.

Then you can add on KidneyIntelX.

[74tom] 06/8/2020 10:20

Thing is it doesn't even need to work out at anywhere near those levels to be transformational for RENX, even at 10% of the above calculation they would pull in significant royalties. It also sounds like the hurdles they have had to jump over with the FDA have been very high, so there could be considerable longevity to any sales...

[wan] 06/8/2020 09:10

Nimbo...Readers should not overlook the agreement and relationship that EKF Diagnostics has with Mount Sinai (from which I am expecting more developments) in terms of how they commercialised the technology that created Renalytix.

The 'overall' partnership is certainly working well!

[nimbo1] 06/8/2020 09:03

The way I now view renx is they have become the commercialisation arm for Mount Sinai - given they are one of the worlds pre-eminent research facilities and can open all necessary regulatory doors and set standards for healthcare its pretty cool to be a shareholder alongside them.

Mount Sinai would not have invested more in the US IPO if they didn't plan on it being worth a lot more one day.

Thanks Wan.

[wan] 06/8/2020 09:02

One assumes they would have to have an agreement with and/or compensate Mount Sinai accordingly.

Plus, if you study the Kantaro website, it appears likely that the range of diagnostics tests might not be limited to the current and impending range of COVID-19 related tests. So, this may also have an effect in the fullness of time.

[74tom] 06/8/2020 09:01

The nice thing here is that a higher RENX share price is beneficial to Mount Sinai as it increases the value of their 15% stake. A larger portion of Kantaro may also reduce RENX's need for future equity funding, so there are a few reasons why this might happen. It's a fascinating & pretty unique situation that is unfolding.

[nimbo1] 06/8/2020 08:48

how would that work Wan? Do they have the option to do so?