– Niterra Executes Strategic Investment via Pegasus-Managed CVC Fund and Successfully Forms a Business Alliance with neoplas –

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Joint Implementation of a Medical Device Development Project Utilizing Cold Plasma Technology

 

＜Overview＞

In 2022, Niterra Co., Ltd. (formerly NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.), a global leader in ceramics and automotive components, entered into a strategic partnership with German medical device startup neoplas med GmbH to jointly develop innovative wound treatment technologies using cold plasma. The primary objective of the project was to promote faster wound healing and improve patients’ quality of life through non-invasive, next-generation medical devices.

Neoplas med GmbH, based in Greifswald, Germany, is a medical technology company that originated as a spin-off from the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology. The company is a pioneer in cold plasma applications for clinical use, developing high-precision, non-thermal plasma devices that are gaining recognition across Europe.

Niterra, headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, has been a trusted manufacturer of spark plugs, sensors, and ceramic components since 1936. To accelerate open innovation, Niterra launched a ¥15 billion (approx. $100 million) corporate venture capital (CVC) fund in April 2021. neoplas was introduced to Niterra via Pegasus Tech Ventures, leading to a $25 million investment. The partnership was formalized in the same year with a focus on co-developing cold plasma-based wound care solutions.

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＜Challenges and Solutions＞

 

Chronic wounds—such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores—affect an estimated 50 million people worldwide. These wounds often take a long time to heal and are particularly prevalent among the elderly and patients with chronic conditions. They also carry high risks of infection, including those involving multidrug-resistant bacteria, which conventional antibiotics may fail to treat effectively.

Traditional treatments typically involve frequent outpatient visits or extended hospitalizations, placing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems. These challenges often result in reduced patient motivation and delayed healing, creating a negative cycle that can impact quality of life and increase medical costs.

To address these issues, Niterra and neoplas co-developed a medical device called kINPen®, based on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet technology. This technologyinvolves directing non-thermal plasma directly onto the wound surface, promoting tissue regeneration while simultaneously reducing bacterial load without the use of antibiotics.

Clinical research has shown that plasma jet treatment can reduce healing time by up to 50% with minimal to no pain, making it a promising solution particularly for elderly patients or those with sensitive conditions. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, cold plasma does not induce resistance, providing a safe and effective method for chronic wound care.

Importantly, neoplas is currently the only European manufacturer with MDR (Medical Device Regulation) certification for cold plasma therapy, reinforcing the clinical and regulatory strength of its technology.

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​​​​​​​                                                                              kINPen®MED Product
                                                                           Source: Niterra (NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.) Official Website

 

Through this collaboration, Niterra has gained access to world-class medical plasma technology, while neoplas benefits from Niterra’s manufacturing capabilities, international market access, and commercialization expertise.

The jointly developed kINPen® MED device has already been recognized in Europe, and the two companies plan to further expand into high-potential markets such as the United States and the Middle East. With a growing global need for advanced chronic wound care solutions, this partnership has the potential to set a new standard in non-invasive therapy.

In 2024, Niterra deepened its commitment to neoplas with an additional $18 million investment, reinforcing its strategic ambition to enter the healthcare sector with highly differentiated, science-backed products.

This partnership not only exemplifies a successful CVC-driven innovation model but also contributes to global healthcare advancements by offering a viable alternative to traditional, drug-dependent wound care.

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＜References＞

1. 日本特殊陶業社　公式HP：日本特殊陶業　CVCファンドからドイツ・ヘルスケアスタートアップ企業neoplas med GmbH社へ出資のお知らせ

   Venture Lab Niterra Group　公式HP：Niterra Venturesカンパニー、neoplas med GmbHに1800万ドルを追加投資-創傷ケアの革新を目指す 

2. neoplas med GmbH公式HP

3. ※１参照：＄=150円を想定