The University of Texas Medical Branch has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with NIPOKA, a leading German-based company specializing in advanced diagnostic technologies for kidney research. With over 35 million adults in the U.S. affected by chronic kidney disease, and millions more worldwide, the need for accurate diagnostics has never been more critical. This partnership aims to develop first-of-its-kind diagnostic tests that could transform the way kidney patients are diagnosed, treated, and monitored.
At the heart of this collaboration is NIPOKA's patented technology, the Podocyte Exact Morphology Measurement Procedure (PEMP). This cutting-edge system integrates immunofluorescence staining of kidney tissue, advanced super-resolution microscopy, and proprietary software to deliver unparalleled insights into kidney health. The PEMP technology offers precise diagnostic information from microscopic images, potentially redefining kidney care.
"This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in kidney diagnostics," said Dr. Jochen Reiser, UTMB president and CEO of the UTMB Health System. "The potential to bring this technology to a clinical setting for the first time is a game-changer for patients and providers alike both in our communities and across the world.”
Currently, diagnostic tools like PEMP are not available in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world in a clinical setting. Through this agreement, UTMB will gain access to NIPOKA’s advanced imaging and diagnostic technology while retaining independence in image acquisition and analysis. The partnership also explores licensing opportunities, with the goal of implementing this revolutionary technology at UTMB and eventually expanding its use across the U.S.
"We are thrilled to partner with UTMB to bring PEMP technology to a clinical setting for the first time," said Dr. Nicole Endlich, CEO of NIPOKA, professor and principal investigator at the University Medicine Greifswald. "This collaboration has the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing more accurate diagnostics and enabling personalized treatment plans."
This strategic agreement underscores UTMB’s commitment to advancing health care innovation and highlights NIPOKA’s leadership in diagnostic technologies. Together, the two organizations aim to transform kidney care for millions of patients worldwide.