Promising New Feline Kidney Disease Treatment Enters Trials in Japan
A new treatment for feline kidney disease has entered clinical trials, a crucial step toward becoming available to all cats suffering from this illness. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases affecting cats, affecting 40% of cats over 10 and 80% of cats over 15,1 and it can lead to organ failure and even death. Currently, the average life expectancy of cats diagnosed with kidney disease is only two years, so the urgent need for better treatment options is clear. AIM injections may be just what the doctor ordered, though we'll have to wait for the results of the trial to be sure.
What is AIM?
In 2015, while working as an immunology specialist at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Toru Miyazaki discovered something important about a blood protein called AIM, or apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage.2 This protein uses immunoglobulin antibodies to help your cat’s kidneys flush out waste. Although it is found naturally in many animals, it is typically inactive as it is bound to an antibody. However, when certain types of cells, like damaged proteins or inflammation molecules, accumulate in the body, AIM can bind to these waste cells instead of the antibody. This essentially “marks” the waste cells for white blood cells to clean up.
Dr. Toru’s big discovery was that AIM does not always work as it should in cats due to a common hereditary disorder. This disorder causes AIM to form an overly strong bond with the immunoglobulin antibodies, which prevents it from binding to the waste cells. When AIM fails to detach from the antibodies, it impedes efficient waste cleanup, ultimately leading to kidney disease and organ failure.
The treatment concept is that by adding additional AIM to the bloodstream, cellular waste can be efficiently cleaned up, preventing or at least slowing the progression of kidney disease.
Testing and Studies
Dr. Toru’s team first tested his AIM theory on mice. They replaced the mice’s natural AIM with feline AIM, resulting in an increase in kidney disease, and then gave them an AIM treatment. The results were promising: the team saw improvement in kidney function.
More recent clinical trials have focused on cats who already have CKD. These trials feature a combination of AIM injections and careful nutritional monitoring. Dr. Toru has also been involved in studies on the function of AIM in human CKD.
The latest trial, announced last June, is taking place at 26 veterinary hospitals across Japan. According to Greycoat Research, a website associated with Dr. Toru’s AIM Medical Research Institute, the researchers are planning to apply for regulatory approval in 2026, and the treatment could be available to the public as soon as Spring 2027.
The Dr. Toru Protocol
Greycoat Research also produces something called “The Dr. Toru Protocol.” This supplement is available online and is designed to support kidney health using a proprietary blend of ingredients created using Dr. Toru's AIM research. It is intended to help AIM detach from the antibodies, though there have not yet been trials to show efficacy. The supplement does not contain the same ingredients as the injection being studied.
What Does This Mean For Your Cat?
Although it is too early to know how this will impact mainstream feline kidney disease treatment, the research so far seems promising. If trials continue to go well, an AIM-based injection or similar treatment may be available to all cats in the future.
In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to speak to your vet about the best prevention and treatment options for your specific cat.
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Kate is a pet-loving writer and editor based in San Francisco. She loves exploring with her fluffy Pug mix, Gizmo, and learning about the wonderful world of cats.
