Bermuda, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Carna Health, a Boston-based biotech startup, has initiated pilot programs for chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening in Bermuda and Cameroon, addressing significant diagnosis gaps. Early findings show nearly half of participants in Bermuda screened positive for CKD. With a goal to enroll 25 million people globally by 2030, Carna Health aims to enhance early detection and accessibility to crucial health screenings through strategic partnerships and innovative methods.
Boston
Boston-based biotech startup Carna Health has launched international pilot screening programs in Bermuda and Cameroon to address low diagnosis rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with early results and strategic partnerships aimed at expanding access and improving early detection.
Top line
Nine out of ten people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are unaware of their condition, according to Carna Health, a Boston-based biotech startup. CKD is one of the largest chronic diseases globally, affecting approximately one billion people. Carna Health is initiating pilot screening programs in Bermuda and Cameroon to address low diagnosis rates of CKD.
Early findings and scale
In Bermuda, nearly half of the participants screened were found to have CKD. A population-based CKD screening program is enrolling 30,000 individuals across regions in Bermuda and Limbe, Cameroon. Carna Health aims to enroll 25 million people in CKD screening programs worldwide by 2030, with aspirations to expand the platform to screen for other cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
Screening method and access
The screening process involves a simple finger prick and urine sample, with results provided within 15 minutes. Carna Health is enhancing screening efforts in convenient public venues such as churches, malls, and clinics to reach at-risk individuals early. Carna Health is actively setting up testing locations aimed at improving accessibility for screenings.
Partnerships and technology
Carna Health has entered a strategic agreement with Siemens Healthineers to advance AI-powered CKD screening and improve access to preventative care. The collaboration aims to enhance early detection and CKD management for high-risk and underserved populations by integrating digital platforms with Siemens Healthineers’ diagnostics infrastructure. The startup plays a role as an authorized reseller of Siemens Healthineers’ diagnostic solutions, focusing on digital health distribution for CKD-related products in key markets like the Philippines, Bermuda, and Cameroon.
Local impact and risk factors
14% of Bermuda’s population is estimated to have CKD, compared to 4% in the United States. Lori Rockhead, Executive Director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association, expressed concern over the number of individuals on dialysis in Bermuda, stating it’s not a way to live life. CEO Salvatore Viscomi noted that many CKD cases are linked to heat stress, especially among younger individuals and outdoor workers such as those in agriculture, mining, and military roles. Contributing factors to CKD include dehydration and environmental toxins that can affect kidney function over time.
Who should get screened and how to follow up
Risk factors for CKD include having diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of the condition. Individuals who suspect they may be at risk can also receive tests through their doctor’s office. Early detection is crucial; directing diagnosed individuals to available resources for necessary care is a priority for program organizers.
Why this matters
CKD is a major, often silent public health problem. Low awareness and late diagnosis increase the chance that people progress to advanced kidney failure requiring dialysis, a treatment that can be burdensome and costly. By combining rapid point-of-care testing, public outreach in accessible venues, and partnerships with established diagnostics providers, the pilot programs in Bermuda and Limbe, Cameroon are intended to identify cases earlier and connect patients with care.
Next steps
Carna Health will continue to expand screening locations and enroll participants in the population-based program. The partnership with Siemens Healthineers includes efforts to integrate diagnostic infrastructure and digital tools to support follow-up care and broader screening reach. Program organizers plan to evaluate pilot outcomes to inform further expansion into other regions and disease screening opportunities.
FAQ
Q: How common is unrecognized CKD?
A: Nine out of ten people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are unaware of their condition, according to Carna Health, a Boston-based biotech startup.
Q: How many people worldwide are affected by CKD?
A: CKD is one of the largest chronic diseases globally, affecting approximately one billion people.
Q: Where are Carna Health’s pilot screening programs being launched?
A: Carna Health is initiating pilot screening programs in Bermuda and Cameroon to address low diagnosis rates of CKD.
Q: What were early results from Bermuda?
A: In Bermuda, nearly half of the participants screened were found to have CKD.
Q: How large is the population-based screening program?
A: A population-based CKD screening program is enrolling 30,000 individuals across regions in Bermuda and Limbe, Cameroon.
Q: What is Carna Health’s global enrollment goal?
A: Carna Health aims to enroll 25 million people in CKD screening programs worldwide by 2030, with aspirations to expand the platform to screen for other cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
Q: How is the screening performed and how fast are results?
A: The screening process involves a simple finger prick and urine sample, with results provided within 15 minutes.
Q: Who is Carna Health partnering with for diagnostics?
A: Carna Health has entered a strategic agreement with Siemens Healthineers to advance AI-powered CKD screening and improve access to preventative care.
Q: Does Carna Health resell diagnostic products?
A: The startup plays a role as an authorized reseller of Siemens Healthineers’ diagnostic solutions, focusing on digital health distribution for CKD-related products in key markets like the Philippines, Bermuda, and Cameroon.
Q: How prevalent is CKD in Bermuda compared to the United States?
A: 14% of Bermuda’s population is estimated to have CKD, compared to 4% in the United States.
Q: What local concerns were reported in Bermuda?
A: Lori Rockhead, Executive Director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association, expressed concern over the number of individuals on dialysis in Bermuda, stating it’s not a way to live life.
Q: What occupational or environmental links are noted for CKD?
A: CEO Salvatore Viscomi noted that many CKD cases are linked to heat stress, especially among younger individuals and outdoor workers such as those in agriculture, mining, and military roles.
Q: What other contributing factors to CKD are identified?
A: Contributing factors to CKD include dehydration and environmental toxins that can affect kidney function over time.
Q: Where are screenings being offered to reach more people?
A: Carna Health is enhancing screening efforts in convenient public venues such as churches, malls, and clinics to reach at-risk individuals early.
Q: Who should consider CKD testing?
A: Risk factors for CKD include having diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of the condition.
Q: Can people get tested through regular medical care?
A: Individuals who suspect they may be at risk can also receive tests through their doctor’s office.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pilot locations | Bermuda; Limbe, Cameroon |
| Population enrollment (current program) | 30,000 individuals across regions in Bermuda and Limbe, Cameroon |
| Global enrollment goal | 25 million people by 2030 |
| Screening method | Simple finger prick and urine sample; results within 15 minutes |
| Reported Bermuda prevalence | 14% of Bermuda’s population estimated to have CKD |
| U.S. comparison | 4% in the United States |
| Key partner | Siemens Healthineers (strategic agreement; authorized reseller role) |
| At-risk groups highlighted | People with diabetes, hypertension, family history; outdoor workers exposed to heat stress |
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Boston-based Company Addressing Low Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis Rates
- Health Central: Dialysis Diet
- Business Wire: Carna Health and Siemens Healthineers Join Forces
- US News: Diabetes, Kidney Trouble Can Bring Heart Disease Decades Earlier
- DocWire News: Roche to Launch CVRM Hub in Boston
- Wikipedia: Chronic Kidney Disease
- Google Search: Chronic Kidney Disease
- Google Scholar: Chronic Kidney Disease Screening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidney
- Google News: Chronic Kidney Disease News
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