neoplas med GmbH – Transforming Wound Care at the Crossroads of Plasma Medicine with the Groundbreaking ColdPlasma-Jet kINPen^® MED

“Our goal is to make high-precision cold plasma technology accessible to everyone, potentially reducing the length of hospital stays and offering precise, consistent, and high-quality treatment, promoting gentle and effective wound therapy without known side effects or resistance development.”

In 2009, visionary minds embarked on an innovative journey, giving rise to neoplas med GmbH—a remarkable spin-off from the esteemed Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology
e. V. (INP) in Greifswald, Germany. Born out of cutting-edge research in plasma technology conducted at INP, neoplas med GmbH is dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into tangible advancements in medical applications.

At the forefront of their groundbreaking efforts is the CE-marked kINPen^® MED atmospheric pressure plasmajet—a pioneering achievement as the first internationally approved and commercially available plasma jet designed specifically for treating chronic wounds and pathogen-induced skin disorders. This remarkable feat represents the culmination of sustained collaboration between neoplas med GmbH, the INP institute and the University Hospital of Greifswald, Germany, also called Greifswalder Plasma Cluster.

Notably, neoplas med GmbH has obtained the significant MDR (European Medical Device Regulation) certificate, affirming its pioneering position in global cold plasma applications.

In an exclusive interview with The Silicon Review, Ulrike Sailer, CEO of neoplas med GmbH, shed light on how she and her team of experts are shaping the landscape of medical technology with groundbreaking products and a legacy rooted in scientific excellence.

Interview Highlights

 Q. Please tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of neoplas med GmbH?

neoplas med GmbH was founded with the vision to empower medical performance to enrich lives. Currently, about 40 million people worldwide suffer from chronic wounds that can turn into life-threatening complications due to the risk of infection. With the advanced wound care market valued at $20 billion, it continues to rise, driven by an increasing number of people living with diabetes and a higher occurrence of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Chronic wounds substantially damage the economy by reducing productivity and harm a person’s quality of life. Recognizing the profound impact of these wounds, we identified a significant opportunity to advance treatments to address this critical healthcare challenge.

Scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology e.V. (INP), Germany, in collaboration with leading medical university hospitals, discovered that cold plasma can create highly effective antimicrobial properties and initiate biological wound healing processes. Building on these insights, INP developed the foundational technology, the Cold Plasma-Jet kINPen^® MED, within the framework of an incubator, spinning out the company neoplas med in 2009. Subsequently, we initiated the marketing authorization process, receiving CE certification in 2013.

This breakthrough innovation is the world’s first CE-certified and evidence-based Cold Plasma-Jet, called Plasma-Jet kINPen^® MED, using argon gas for consistent plasma quality. It can be applied without skin contact under full visible control of the caregiver, reducing pain and the risk of wound infection. It accelerates wound healing up to 55% compared to Placebo and results in complete wound closure rates up to 59% compared to best practice standard treatments within six weeks of treatment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to protect against bacteria like MRSA, stimulates microcirculation to heal the wound, and promotes wound healing without undesirable side effects and the development of resistance.

Q. As a leading medical technology company, what are neoplas’ key focus areas?    

Our goal is to make high-precision cold plasma technology accessible to everyone. The Plasma-Jet kINPen^® MED is currently distributed to 70% of university hospitals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and it has been utilized in more than 500,000 patient applications. Our international rollout, beginning in the EU, Middle East, and Latin America, is underway, with preparations for the USA/Canada and South Asia in progress. We take pride in sharing that two peer-reviewed RCT studies published in JAMA and Nature Scientific Report affirm the substantial efficacy of the Plasma-Jet kINPen^® MED in wound healing, potentially reducing the length of hospital stays.

This innovative technology offers precise, consistent, and high-quality treatment, promoting gentle and effective wound therapy without known side effects or resistance development. By using up to 60% less wound dressing, our approach has the potential to reduce treatment costs and environmental impact. To ensure reimbursement, we have initiated a market access blueprint in the complex German market, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.

Q. What strategies does neoplas implement to exceed client expectations? 

neoplas med is characterized by exceeding our customers’ expectations through a comprehensive strategy. Our products and services are based on continuous innovation and are ahead of generic mainstream applications. A customer- and patient-centric approach actively involves current and future customers and patients in the product development process, allowing tailor-made solutions to individual needs and fostering a collaborative dynamic.

Strict quality management ensures that our products are safe and effective. Building partnerships encourages open dialogue and effective problem-solving. Neoplas is committed to making advanced medical technologies both accessible and affordable, taking into account both performance and economic feasibility. neoplas’ commitment to innovation, customer focus, quality, collaboration, affordability, and service makes us a leader in exceeding customer expectations and achieving positive outcomes in medical technology.

Q. Can you provide us with one or two success stories, detailing specific client challenges and how neoplas’ solutions contributed to their success? 

In response to the ongoing health-economic burden of chronic wounds, neoplas med engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the effects of jet plasma on patients’ most relevant endpoint: complete wound closure. One notable success story emerged from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in Nature Scientific Report in 2022.

The client, facing challenges associated with chronic wounds, sought a solution to enhance wound healing outcomes. neoplas’ Plasma-Jet technology was introduced to address these challenges. The RCT results surpassed even the most optimistic expectations, demonstrating that the Plasma-Jet technology led to significantly more completely healed wounds compared to best practice wound care in just six weeks.

Specifically, 59 percent of all wounds treated with jet plasma achieved complete healing, a stark contrast to the 5.1 percent success rate observed in patients under best practice therapy. Additionally, the time to complete healing was considerably shorter, and wound infections were overcome significantly faster. Importantly, an economic analysis of the study data revealed a remarkable 65 percent cost reduction for the dressing material alone compared to the best practice group.

Q. What new endeavors is neoplas currently undertaking? 

neoplas med is currently undertaking several exciting initiatives. We are actively expanding our use cases and the international reach of our Plasma-Jet kINPen^® MED, with ongoing launches in the EU, Middle East, and Latin America, as well as preparations for entry into the US/Canada and South Asia. Based on the implementation of a cold plasma technology platform, we have been focusing on continuous innovation, new product development, and exploring additional clinical indication areas in both human and veterinary applications. These include post-surgical management, dermatology, aesthetic and plastic surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, and oncology, addressing the challenging needs of the healthcare sector. Our team is dedicated to advancing medical technology, and these efforts underscore our commitment to making a meaningful contribution to healthcare on a global scale.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

neoplas med is a pioneer in transforming the future of medicine with its innovative approach to wound care, rooted in solid, evidence-based practices. Our unwavering dedication is aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, cutting healthcare costs, and reducing environmental footprint. In this journey, our strategic partnership with Niterra Global, previously known as NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), has been instrumental. The strategic investments made by Niterra through its corporate venture capital arm in 2022 and 2023 are a testament to the recognition of neoplas med’s leadership in the field. This alliance is more than just financial backing; it’s a shared vision for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Niterra’s commitment, informed by a meticulous analysis of peer-reviewed research, validates the unique and significant competitive edge that neoplas med offers. As we forge ahead, driven by the principles of evidence-based medicine, this collaboration with Niterra not only accelerates our growth but also strengthens our resolve to create enduring positive changes in individual health and the wider healthcare ecosystem.

About | Ulrike Sailer

Ulrike Sailer has been serving as the CEO and Managing Partner of neoplas med GmbH since 2019. With over 20 years of international leadership experience, she possesses a proven ability to implement strategies, foster people-centric cultures, and drive revenue and profitable growth in the global market.

“Our commitment to innovation, customer focus, quality, collaboration, affordability, and service makes us a leader in exceeding customer expectations and achieving positive outcomes in medical technology.”