Ropca ApS

Description

ROPCA began as a project at the University of Southern Denmark, aiming to create an automated system for locating and ultrasound scanning hand joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Søren Just Andreasen, a specialist in rheumatology, and Professor Thiusius Rajeeth Savarimuthu, an expert in healthcare robotics and artificial intelligence, ROPCA has grown into a pioneering company in the field of automated ultrasound diagnostics.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are chronic conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these diseases and improving patient outcomes. However, the current diagnostic process is fraught with challenges: limited access to specialists, inconsistent results due to operator dependency, and time-consuming procedures. These issues contribute to long wait times and increased healthcare costs, often resulting in patients missing the critical early treatment window.

ROPCA's flagship product, ARTHUR, addresses these challenges head-on. ARTHUR is a fully automated robotic ultrasound platform designed to revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of RA and OA. It autonomously scans 22 joints in the hands and wrists, eliminating the need for medical staff during the procedure. This not only reduces the burden on healthcare providers but also ensures consistent, high-quality results. Combining state-of-the-art robotics with artificial intelligence, ARTHUR performs disease activity scoring based on the gold-standard EULAR OMERACT guidelines. The system generates clear, AI-annotated reports that integrate seamlessly into electronic health records, supporting better clinical decisions. Operating 24/7, ARTHUR drastically reduces costs and wait times, making it a scalable solution for hospitals worldwide.

ROPCA's technology is patent-protected, clinically validated, and ready to scale. The company is active in Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden, with clear potential for expansion across Europe. Additionally, ROPCA is in advanced talks with its first U.S. customer, and the Department of Veterans Affairs has shown strong interest. FDA clearance is planned for 2026, opening doors to a massive addressable market.

By addressing a critical unmet need in a mature, high-cost market, ROPCA is poised to transform the landscape of RA and OA diagnostics, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs globally. ROPCA is not just building a better diagnostic tool; it is setting a new standard in rheumatology care.