During the first phases of the NURTuRE programme, scientists collected and securely stored biological samples from 3,000 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and at least 800 patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), providing a unique resource for vital research. This type of collection of samples for research is known as a ‘biobank’. In addition to samples of plasma, serum, urine, DNA and tissue, NURTuRE will link to clinical (healthcare) data, through the UK Renal Registry.  

Biomarker analysis takes place at the University of Geneva, tissue analysis and storage at the University of Birmingham, and blood, urine and serum samples are stored at the UK national biosample centre at Milton Keynes. 

Running over a five-year period, the samples will be obtained through 18 NHS Trusts, with patients followed up at specific intervals.

From late 2023, researchers and industry will be able to apply for access to the samples and data. Once an application has been approved, and the relevant agreements signed, samples matching selection criteria, together with relevant clinical data, if applicable, will be prepared and dispatched.    

By securely combining information from many individuals, researchers will be able to look for important clues on why kidney disease progresses differently in each person, and the best ways to diagnose and manage each patient.

"The de-identified data contained within the NURTuRE biobank has the potential to unlock answers to some of the biggest questions about CKD and NS. Looking at biological samples alongside clinical data will help us to develop new markers to help identify patients who will benefit from better, earlier diagnosis and person-specific new treatments, leading to better health outcomes.” Elaine Davies, Director of research operations at Kidney Research UK

Watch our short video to see what happens to a patient's samples once they've been donated to the NURTuRE project:

Video animated developed with Prawnimation.

Any requests to access NURTuRE data must be submitted to the Steering Committee. This group check that all studies are using information appropriately, and that the study is designed to benefit kidney patients.

All data is de-identified. This means that any details that could link an individual to their clinical or biological information, such as their name, date of birth and NHS number, is replaced by a unique code.

From late 2023, researchers from universities, the NHS and pharmaceutical companies will be able to apply to access NURTuRE samples and data. Once approved by our review panel, and with all the legal agreements in place, samples and data, if applicable, will be prepared and dispatched.

Kelly White, a Renal Research Nurse at Derby said:

"I feel privileged to be involved in NURTuRE. It is a unique concept with potential to improve treatments for kidney patients and ultimately lead to better outcomes. It has been fantastic meeting patients with their enthusiasm and willingness to be involved in such an exciting project."

A NURTuRE research access policy will be developed in early 2023 to cover all access application requests. Applications will be reviewed through an objective and transparent process on scientific merit and planned outcomes.

Patients are central to everything that we do with NURTuRE. From roles on our advisory board, to ambassadors, to sample donation, we need you.

Skevvy Piponides was one of the first patients to get involved with NURTuRE:

"I was more than happy to help and the whole process has been so simple. They just took blood and urine samples, did some height and weight measurements, tested my memory skills and asked me a few other questions. It was all done during a routine appointment, and they repeat the process in a year or so’s time. I’ve never been part of a research study before but, if my involvement can help other people like me, then that would be fantastic."

From late 2023 researchers will be able to apply for access to samples and data from our first two cohorts (CKD and INS).

The overall NURTuRE biobank programme is funded through a unique partnership between industry, grant giving bodies and Kidney Research UK.

The first two NURTuRE cohorts and associated analysis activity are funded by AbbVie Inc, AstraZeneca, Evotec AV, Travere Therapeutics, UCB Celltech Biopharma and Kidney Research UK.

The project is being jointly delivered through the University of Bristol, led by Professor Moin Saleem, Professor of Paediatric Renal Medicine, supported by Liz Colby as co-ordinator for the NURTuRE-INS (Nephros) study; and the University of Nottingham, led by Professor Maarten Taal, Professor of Medicine, supported by Melissa Benavente, co-ordinator of the NURTuRE-CKD study.

The programme is being led by Kidney Research UK working closely with the UK's leading research and clinical centres, alongside patient advisors.