Living with a hereditary kidney condition often means holding two things at once, getting on with everyday life while keeping half an eye on what research might bring next. For anyone affected by polycystic kidney disease, news of fresh investment in new treatments is exactly the kind of hope worth holding onto. This month brought a genuine step forward from right here in the UK.
A Glasgow biopharmaceutical company, Mironid, has raised £34 million to advance a new treatment for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). The funding round included an £8.4 million investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank, which joined existing backers including the Roche Venture Fund, Epidarex Capital, Sofinnova Partners, BioGeneration Ventures and the University of Strathclyde. The money will support the clinical development of Mironid’s treatment, moving it closer to the patients who need it.
Why polycystic kidney disease matters to our community
ADPKD is the most common inherited kidney disorder. According to Mironid, it affects more than 12 million people worldwide, and around half of those living with it will develop kidney failure by the age of 60. Because it is passed down through families, many of our members know it not as a single diagnosis but as something that has touched parents, siblings and children too. That is why research into treatments that could slow the disease feels so personal for so many kidney families.
Mironid’s approach uses small molecule therapies designed to target the specific biological processes that drive the growth of cysts on the kidneys. The company, which grew out of collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University, has been developing this work over several years. We have written before about other promising avenues in this area, including a new antibody therapy for polycystic kidney disease, and it is encouraging to see more than one line of research now gathering pace.
A vote of confidence in kidney science
What makes this announcement stand out is not only the size of the sum but who is behind it. Neil Wilkie, the chief executive of Mironid, described the backing from such an experienced group of investors as a strong endorsement of the company’s approach to treating rare kidney diseases. Paul Callaghan, a director at the Scottish National Investment Bank, said the investment reflected a commitment to backing Scottish innovation that could improve options for people living with kidney disease.
For those of us who follow this field closely, that kind of investor confidence matters. Developing a new medicine is long and costly, and funding at this stage is often what carries promising science from the laboratory towards clinical trials and, eventually, the clinic. It is a reminder that world-class kidney research is happening within the UK, not only overseas.
What this means for patients today
It is worth being honest about timescales. This is early clinical development, and a treatment reaching this milestone is not the same as a treatment available on prescription. There is still a long road of trials and regulatory review ahead before anything could reach NHS patients. Even so, every step like this widens the horizon for people whose options today can feel limited.
At MRIKPA, we are always heartened when research that could make a real difference to kidney patients gains the support it needs to move forward. As Guy Hill, Chair of MRIKPA, puts it: “Developments like this remind us why it is so important to keep following the science and sharing what we learn with our members. It gives our community genuine reasons for hope, even while we know there is still work to do before it reaches people day to day.” You can keep up with stories like this on our research and news pages.
Source: “Biopharma firm Mironid raises fund for kidney treatment”, Daily Business, 5 August 2026. Read the original report here.
If you or someone in your family lives with polycystic kidney disease and you would value speaking with others who understand from the inside, you are always welcome to reach out. We are a small, patient-run community based at Manchester Royal Infirmary, and you can find more guidance in our Patient Knowledge Bank or get in touch with us at support@mrikpa.org.uk or on 07745 242 684.
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
