ParaMedir, an innovative medical technology company based in the Northern Netherlands, is proud to announce the significant EFRO subsidy of about €600,000.00 awarded by SNN (Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland). This subsidy will support a groundbreaking consortium led by ParaMedir in their mission to improve healthcare through innovative (bio)monitoring solutions. Next to the subsidy granted by the SNN, the province of Groningen and the municipality of Groningen have both agreed to finance this project as well, contributing about €130,000.00, underlining the importance of this project for the region.
The consortium, consisting of valued partners including the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Health Hub Roden, and GitGud Software Development, aims to address the urgent challenge of diagnosing and monitoring patients with acute heart failure. Acute heart failure affects 25 million patients globally, with rising incidence and high hospitalization rates. The readmission rate is alarming, and the mortality rate is significant. The standard treatment approach involves restoring the patient's fluid balance using diuretics to eliminate salt and fluid from the patient's body. Currently, treatment of acute heart failure relies on frequent urine collections analyzed through conventional methods.
Cardiodrop©, a groundbreaking innovation, will enable rapid and frequent bedside urine analysis. Building on ParaMedir’s proprietary technology, CardioDrop© will be optimized for use in acute heart failure patients. It facilitates personalized treatment in cardiac care units (CCUs) and intensive care units (ICUs) by monitoring biomarkers and electrolytes. Cardiodrop's implementation in CCUs and ICUs will significantly enhance the quality of life for acute heart failure patients and their caregivers. It will reduce mortality rates, readmissions, and healthcare costs. Additionally, it enables early detection and treatment of renal failure, revolutionizing care provision and improving well-being.
The EFRO subsidy awarded by SNN in the Northern Netherlands is a proof of the consortium's dedication to advancing medical technology and improving patient care. ParaMedir extends its gratitude to SNN and the consortium partners for their commitment and collaborative efforts.
ParaMedir is an innovative medical technology company based in the North of the Netherlands. By developing innovative (bio)monitoring solutions that seamlessly integrate into patient care, ParaMedir aims to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Through the fusion of two promising technologies - biosensing and microfluidics - Paramedir has developed a robust platform that enables real-time continuous monitoring of crucial biomarkers. The first product in development is UriMoni™, a diagnostic device developed for bedside monitoring and prediction of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
UriMoni™ and CardioDrop© comprises an array of micro(bio)sensors that monitor relevant biomarkers. These electrochemical micro(bio)sensors, assembled based on extensive ParaMedir intellectual property, provide selective and sensitive measurements of key urinary biomarkers. Proprietary algorithms convert the electrochemical output into biochemical and clinically relevant information, enabling doctors to assess kidney function for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute heart failure (AHF).
ParaMedir envisions a future where the obtained information is seamlessly uploaded to the hospital management system (HIS), making it accessible to relevant clinical personnel at any given time. Additionally, the integration of AI solutions holds the potential for predicting kidney function and managing AKI and AHF more effectively. The higher temporal resolution of kidney function biomarkers allows for the detection of short-term changes, leading to improved management strategies. For more information about ParaMedir and its revolutionary products, please visit www.Paramedir.nl
Source article and picture: Paramedir
In the North, and in Groningen in particular, there are dozens of companies working on innovations in the fields of life sciences and health. There are many hidden gems among them, says Ronald Hesse, director of the LIFE Cooperative partnership. “Millions of patients worldwide have already benefited from innovations developed here in Groningen,” he says.
Researchers at the UMCG and their spin-off CC Diagnostics, located on Campus Groningen, have developed a new test that could make cervical cancer screening more efficient and user-friendly.
A full house, sharp discussions, and an afternoon in which science and industry visibly strengthened one another. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon demonstrated that Groningen is not only a strong geographical spot, but also a substantive force within the Dutch life sciences landscape. The event, organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with LIFE Cooperative, brought professionals from across the Netherlands to the north. Researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, and clinical experts gathered around one shared ambition: to bring innovative medicines to patients faster, smarter, and better.Klaas Poelstra, Chair of FIGON, looks back positively on the event: “It was great to see local businesses in the health sector and leading academic scientists engaging in conversation with one another. They have so much to gain from each other.“From what to how What became particularly clear during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon was how rapidly the field of drug development is evolving, and how essential collaboration has become. At a time when therapies are increasingly targeted, complex, and costly, the focus is shifting from only what we develop to how we do so: more intelligently, more sustainably, and better aligned with patient needs. This broader context was already reflected in the opening remarks by Klaas Poelstra, who emphasized the importance of continued innovation for the Netherlands’ competitive position and patient care. On behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, Robert Hof highlighted that regional collaboration is a decisive factor: by bringing science, entrepreneurship, and clinical practice closer together, real acceleration can be achieved. The first substantive contributions made it clear that innovation today is not only about new molecules, but also about new delivery methods. Rob Steendam demonstrated how long-acting microspheres can improve treatment adherence and reduce patient burden. Jaap Wieling showed how inhalation technology is evolving into a platform for both local and systemic therapies. Through her research on polyelectrolyte coacervates, Marleen Kamperman placed these innovations within a fundamental scientific framework. After the break, the discussion shifted to clinical translation and advanced nanomedicines. Flávia Sousa illustrated how polymer-based nanomedicines contribute to targeted brain delivery. Ad Roffel underscored the importance of robust pharmacokinetic studies in an era where the demands for evidence continue to increase. Erik Frijlink reflected on innovation within both existing and new delivery systems, while Helder Santos outlined the potential of RNA delivery via nanotechnology for cardiac tissue repair.More than a program During the closing networking reception, it became clear what participants had gained from the afternoon. As Robert Hof, Board Member of the LIFE Cooperative, put it: “The FIGON Winter Afternoon was an excellent event with distinguished speakers and strong engagement. We look forward to the next edition and extend our sincere thanks to Klaas Poelstra and FIGON for hosting the event in the Northern Netherlands.” The common thread throughout the afternoon was therefore unmistakable: the future of medicines does not lie within a single discipline, but in the connections between them. In a time of increasing healthcare pressure, rapid technological advancement, and international competition, such collaboration is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon showed that this collaboration is firmly rooted in the Northern Netherlands and that Groningen is positioning itself emphatically as a breeding ground and accelerator for innovative drug development.
