Co-sponsored by the European Regional Development Fund (Europäischer Fonds für regionale Entwicklung, ProFIT Brandenburg), POROUS is dedicated to developing non-invasive bone ultrasound imaging technologies for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Our patented multifactorial technology enables us to analyze the microarchitecture and viscoelastic properties of the cortical bone with great precision. With POROUS medical devices, bone quality and health can be assessed in various applications and indications beyond osteoporosis diagnostics. Our first priority is to bring a new quantitative ultrasound imaging device to the market by the end of 2024, which will be specifically designed for research purposes.
Co-sponsored by the European Innovation Council (EIC Accelerator fund), POROUS evaluates its technology’s ability to predict the risk of future osteoporotic fractures. Unlike current methods that approximate relative fracture risk at advanced stages of the disease progression, we offer the unique advantage of measuring dynamic cortical bone microstructure parameters that are characteristic of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This allows for early detection of the disease, enabling timely intervention and treatment. To this end, we are launching a multi-center prospective clinical trial to monitor fracture occurrence in participants over 55. Our ultimate goal is to bring an alternative fracture prediction tool to the healthcare market, providing a much-needed solution for early interventional therapy in otherwise undetected individuals.
The underdiagnosis of osteoporosis represents a significant economic burden and results in immense patient suffering. Currently, the standardized diagnosis of osteoporosis relies on bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, 80% of patients at increased fracture risk are not identified by DXA and therefore do not receive treatment – the treatment gap of osteoporosis (Borgstrom et al., Arch Osteoporos. 2020). At POROUS, we are committed to providing a superior solution for osteoporosis diagnosis. Our innovative technology is expected to outperform DXA by providing surrogate BMD values that enhance the accuracy of osteoporosis diagnosis. We are planning to launch a cross-sectional clinical trial to evaluate this capability. Our ultimate goal is to bring an alternative diagnostic tool to the healthcare market to help narrow the treatment gap.
POROUS is engaged in collaboration with the Charité University Hospital Berlin. We are open to cooperation in bone health research and its application to diagnostics, treatment development, and monitoring.
Focus on Stronger Pig Bones
The Swiss breeding company Suisag, FBN Dummerstorf, and POROUS have launched the “PigBoneS” project to breed pigs with improved phosphorus utilization and stronger bones.
POROUS uses a non-invasive 3D ultrasound method to measure bone density and stability in slaughtered animals, primarily Swiss Large White pigs. The forefoot (metacarpus) serves as an indicator of bone health, complemented by blood analyses for phosphorus utilization markers. The aim is to identify genetic markers for these traits.
The project promotes bone health while reducing phosphorus excretion. It is supported by the Eureka Eurostars program, Innosuisse, and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
