Nimble Diagnostics

Nimble Diagnostics is a medical device company founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), the University of Barcelona (UB), and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). The company was co-founded by a team of researchers and clinicians including Oriol Iborra Egea (CEO), Susana Amorós (CTO), Dr. Carolina Gàlvez, Dr. Oriol Rodríguez, Dr. Antoni Bayés, Joan M. O'Callaghan, Lluís Jofre, Jordi Romeu, and Professor Javier Tejada. The founding team combines expertise in cardiology, telecommunications engineering, and physics. Dr. Iborra has a background in cardiology research at institutions like Stanford University and Harvard Medical School, while Susana Amorós is a telecommunications engineer specializing in microwave systems for medical applications.

The company is developing a non-invasive diagnostic system to monitor the functional integrity of implanted medical stents. This addresses a significant issue where complications like in-stent restenosis (blockage), thrombosis, or fractures occur in over 30% of patients, with symptoms often appearing only after the stent is 90% dysfunctional. Traditional monitoring requires invasive, costly, and complex procedures like angiography, which involve X-ray exposure and hospital stays.

Nimble Diagnostics' core technology is based on Microwave Spectrometry (MWS). The system, called the Nimble System, uses antennas to send a microwave signal that detects the stent's unique electromagnetic signature. By analyzing the scattered radiation, the device can identify changes in the stent's geometry and surrounding environment, allowing for the early detection of malfunctions without ionizing radiation. This point-of-care device provides real-time data, aiming to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier, preventative treatment and reducing healthcare costs associated with invasive procedures. The technology is compatible with commercially available stents and can also be used for monitoring bioresorbable stents and for quality control in stent manufacturing. The company plans to commercialize its technology starting in 2025.

Keywords: stent monitoring, microwave spectrometry, non-invasive diagnostics, cardiovascular devices, medical implants, in-stent restenosis, point-of-care technology, medical device, angiography alternative, preventative cardiology, electromagnetic signature, bioresorbable stents, medical imaging, medtech, cardiology, vascular disease, telecommunications engineering, microwave-based technology, spin-off, preclinical testing