The Scottish government has announced a new partnership for pioneering kidney health research.

Clinical trials to accelerate research into treating chronic kidney disease will be strengthened as a result of a new partnership between the NHS Scotland, AstraZeneca and the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow.

Together they will work on new medicines to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reducing the risk that patients might need dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The partnership will allow for development of new treatments to treat chronic kidney disease, build infrastructure and enhance expertise in renal clinical trial delivery in Scotland with the key aim of improving patient outcomes.

Cabinet secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, said: “This project’s ‘triple helix’ approach is a shining example of how collaboration between the NHS, Scottish government, academia and industry can accelerate health studies.”

He added: “Together we can advance targeted studies into medicines that slow progression of the disease and reduce the need for dialysis or transplantation, strengthen our workforce through dedicated research fellows and specialised training, provide greater opportunities for patients, and enable Scotland to attract and deliver more innovative trials.”