Plasmacure Company Profile

Background

Plasmacure, founded in 2014 by Bas Zeper, is a Dutch medtech startup specializing in innovative wound care solutions. Originating from the Technical University Eindhoven (TU/e), the company leverages a strong foundation in cold plasma technology to develop treatments for chronic wounds. Plasmacure's mission is to heal chronic wounds worldwide, thereby enhancing patients' quality of life and reducing the risk of amputations.

Key Strategic Focus

Plasmacure's strategic focus centers on the development and commercialization of PLASOMA, a patented and CE-certified medical device that utilizes cold plasma to stimulate wound healing. The device targets chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, by killing bacteria, stimulating cell proliferation, and improving microcirculation. The company aims to expand its market presence in Europe and beyond, addressing the growing need for effective chronic wound treatments.

Financials and Funding

Plasmacure has secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and product development:

Series A Funding (2018): Raised with private investors, including NextGen Ventures and East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL), to obtain CE marking and introduce PLASOMA to the market.

Later Stage VC (2021): Secured funding from a consortium comprising NextGen Ventures, Topfonds Gelderland (managed by Oost NL), European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, and Credenti B.V. This investment facilitated clinical studies and the commencement of commercialization efforts.

Later Stage VC (2023): Raised $1.3 million to further support product development and market expansion.

Pipeline Development

PLASOMA has demonstrated promising clinical results:

Clinical Study (2021): Involving 20 patients with wounds averaging 65 weeks old, 60% of wounds healed within an average of 7 weeks and 13 treatments.

Ongoing Trials: Large randomized controlled trials are underway in the Netherlands at institutions such as Radboudumc, Alrijne Hospital, and Máxima Medical Center to gather additional clinical data.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Plasmacure's innovation lies in its proprietary cold plasma technology:

PLASOMA System: Comprises a pulser device and a disposable cold plasma pad that generates cold plasma directly in the wound, effectively killing bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and promoting healing.

Scientific Methodology: Utilizes dielectric barrier discharge to create cold plasma, ensuring safety and efficacy in wound treatment.

Leadership Team

Wilfred den Hartog, CEO: Appointed in May 2022, bringing over 17 years of international experience in healthcare and medtech, including leadership roles at Philips Healthcare and Organ Assist.

Bas Zeper, Founder & CTO: Transitioned from CEO to CTO in 2022, focusing on technological development and innovation within the company.

Niels Boudeling, CFO: Oversees financial strategy and operations, contributing to the company's fiscal health and growth.

Koen Lim, Chief Medical Officer: Leads medical strategy and clinical development, ensuring the efficacy and safety of Plasmacure's products.

Leadership Changes

In May 2022, Wilfred den Hartog was appointed CEO, succeeding founder Bas Zeper, who assumed the role of CTO. This strategic leadership change aims to accelerate Plasmacure's growth and international expansion.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global cold plasma market is projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 15.0%. This growth is driven by innovations in textile production and increasing food safety concerns.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the cold plasma market include:

Nordson Corporation (US): Offers a diverse range of cold plasma products and maintains a strong global presence.

Adtec Plasma Technology Co. Ltd. (Japan): Specializes in plasma technologies with applications across various industries.

Plasmatreat (Germany): Provides both atmospheric and low-pressure cold plasma solutions, with a focus on expanding its international customer base.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Plasmacure has established significant collaborations to enhance its market position:

Technical University Eindhoven (TU/e): Originated from TU/e, leveraging its expertise in cold plasma generation and characterization.

Clinical Partnerships: Engaged with multiple hospitals and wound care centers in the Netherlands, including Radboudumc and Máxima Medical Center, to conduct clinical studies and validate PLASOMA's efficacy.

Operational Insights

Plasmacure's strategic considerations include:

Market Position: Differentiates itself through the development of a user-friendly, portable cold plasma device specifically designed for chronic wound treatment.

Competitive Advantages: PLASOMA's ability to effectively treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promote faster healing positions it favorably against traditional wound care methods.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Plasmacure's strategic roadmap includes:

International Expansion: Plans to enter larger European markets, such as Germany and the UK, to address the growing need for effective chronic wound treatments.

Product Development: Continues to invest in clinical studies to further validate PLASOMA's efficacy and explore additional applications for cold plasma technology in wound care.