Greycoat Research is preparing AIM genetic testing to support more precise kidney care routines for cats.

Hello from Greycoat Research,

Greycoat Research is preparing AIM genetic testing and gene-informed kidney care routines to support more precise care for cats with chronic kidney disease, commonly known as CKD.

The key points of this update are:

First, a 2025 study reported a possible link between the AIM exon 3 variant and the progression of chronic kidney disease in cats.

Second, in Greycoat Research’s early sample review, the AIM exon 3 variant has been observed in approximately 60–70% of samples tested so far.

Third, based on these findings, Greycoat Research is preparing an AIM genetic test and a more precise approach to kidney care routines.

Kidney Disease Does Not Progress the Same Way in Every Cat

Even when cats are diagnosed at the same stage of kidney disease, their progression can be very different.

Some cats remain stable for a long time.

Others may experience changes in kidney values more quickly.

To better understand these differences, Greycoat Research is preparing a more precise kidney care approach that considers not only current kidney values, but also AIM gene information.

Why Does the AIM Gene Matter?

A 2025 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reported a possible relationship between the AIM exon 3 variant and the progression of chronic kidney disease in cats.

The study analyzed both medical records and DNA samples from cats with kidney disease.

The results showed that cats with certain AIM exon 3 variants were more likely to experience a faster decline in kidney function.

In particular, cats with the AIM exon 3 variant on both copies of the gene were more likely to progress to a more advanced kidney disease stage or have worsening creatinine levels compared with cats without the variant.

In simpler terms,
the AIM gene may provide an important clue for understanding why kidney disease progresses faster in some cats than in others.

What Does It Mean If a Cat Has the Variant?

Having an AIM genetic variant does not mean that every cat’s kidney disease will necessarily progress quickly.

However, based on the study findings, cats with certain AIM genetic variants showed a tendency for faster kidney function decline compared with cats without the variant.

This means that if a cat has the variant,
a more careful and proactive kidney care approach may be worth considering.

This is why Greycoat Research is preparing a more precise kidney care approach that considers AIM gene information alongside current kidney values.

Greycoat Research Is Seeing a Similar Pattern

Greycoat Research is working with a genetic testing partner to develop a testing process for identifying the AIM exon 3 variant.

In our early sample review, the AIM exon 3 variant has been observed in approximately 60–70% of samples tested so far.

More samples and additional confirmation are still needed.

However, this early result appears to follow a similar pattern to the variant frequency reported in the 2025 JVIM study.

Greycoat Research will continue reviewing the data to prepare more reliable testing standards and result interpretation guidelines.

This process may help us better understand cats with kidney disease and design more suitable nutritional care routines for each cat.

AIM Genetic Testing Is Being Prepared

Greycoat Research is preparing to launch a genetic test that can identify the AIM exon 3 variant.

At the early stage, this test will not be offered to everyone at once.

Instead, we plan to begin with cat parents who are interested in early enrollment.

The test result is not intended to replace a veterinary diagnosis or predict the future with certainty.

However, it may become an important reference for understanding whether a cat may need a more proactive kidney care routine and which nutritional care strategy may be more suitable.

Details about the testing method, enrollment schedule, cost, and how results will be interpreted will be shared when early enrollment begins.

Additional Genetic Testing Options Are Also Being Prepared

As kidney disease progresses, it may be important to consider not only the kidneys, but also other health factors that may affect long-term care.

Greycoat Research is also preparing additional genetic testing options related to possible heart-related risk factors and other concerns that may be relevant for cats with kidney disease.

Our goal is to help cat parents understand not only whether kidney values have changed, but also what additional risk factors may need closer attention in the future.

Toward More Precise Kidney Care

Greycoat Research does not believe that every cat with kidney disease should follow the exact same care routine.

Each cat may have different genetic traits, current kidney values, daily habits, and responses to supplements.

By considering these factors together, we aim to build a more precise approach to kidney care.

AIM gene-informed kidney care research and AIM genetic testing are the first steps in this direction.

When early enrollment begins, we will share the details by email first.

If you are interested in AIM genetic testing for your cat, please watch for our upcoming early enrollment notice.

Greycoat Research will continue preparing better tools and care strategies to support more precise and proactive kidney care for cats.

Thank you,
Greycoat Research