The Biomarkers bio-ADM and DPP3 Complement Post-Cardiac Surgery Diagnostics to Early Detect Organ Failure
• Post-surgical increase of endothelial function biomarker bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) concentrations predicts organ dysfunction.
• Bio-ADM may help identify patients with an increased risk of developing prolonged vasopressor dependence and prolonged ICU stay after cardiac surgery.
• Increased blood concentrations of cardiac depressant factor dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) are related to the complexity and duration of the intervention.
Hennigsdorf, Germany, March 24, 2022 -
The diagnostic company SphingoTec GmbH (SphingoTec) announces new evidence supporting the use of innovative biomarkers in the early identification of organ dysfunction and risk stratification of cardiac surgery patients (1). Despite many serious post-operative complications (2), there are currently limited tools available for the early identification of organ dysfunction in these patients (3,4).
Scientists from the Radboud University Medical Center have analyzed the predictive value of bio-ADM and DPP3 for short-term outcomes in a prospective study in cardiac surgery patients. Bio-ADM and DPP3 represent two distinct molecular pathways involved in the development of circulatory shock (5). Compromised hemodynamics after surgery triggers the release of the hormone bio-ADM, a key regulator of endothelial barrier function and vascular tone. The current data shows that bio-ADM at day two after ICU admission effectively differentiated between high-risk and low-risk patients for developing organ failure.
The study data also confirmed the independency of a second pathophysiological process, the release of DPP3 upon cell death. Surgery acts as an additional factor leading to an increase in DPP3 in the bloodstream, which is mainly related to tissue injury and the extent of the procedure. Therefore, elevated levels of DPP3 decrease shortly after the surgery. Not surgery-induced and persistently high concentration of DPP3 signals impaired tissue perfusion and high risk for organ failure (5).
Dr. Andreas Bergmann, founder and CEO of SphingoTec, added, “Cardiac surgery is often accompanied by postoperative complications. By using the innovative biomarkers, clinicians can improve the risk stratification provided by conventional risk scores and improve their patient management.”
References:
1. van Lier et al. The value of bioactive adrenomedullin and dipeptidyl peptidase 3 to predict short-term unfavourable outcomes after cardiac surgery: A prospective cohort study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2022 Apr 1;39(4):342-351. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001662.
2. Nearman et al. Perioperative complications of cardiac surgery and postoperative care. Crit Care Clin 2014; 30:527–555.
3. Paparella et al. Cardiopulmonary bypass induced inflammation: pathophysiology and treatment. An update. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002; 21:232–244.
4. Laffey JG, Boylan JF, Cheng DC. The systemic inflammatory response to cardiac surgery: implications for the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiology 2002; 97:215–252
5. van Lier D, Kox M, Pickkers P. Promotion of vascular integrity in sepsis through modulation of bioactive adrenomedullin and dipeptidyl peptidase 3. J Intern Med 2020; 289:792–806.
About SphingoTec
SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) develops and markets innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for novel and proprietary biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of acute medical conditions. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM), a biomarker for real-time assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis, and Proenkephalin (penKid), a biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function. Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3), a biomarker for cardiac depression. IVD tests for SphingoTec’s biomarkers are made available as sphingotest® microtiter plate tests as well as point-of-care tests on the Nexus IB10 immunoassay platform by SphingoTec’s subsidiary Nexus Dx Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA). The Nexus IB10 portfolio is complemented by established and commonly used biomarker tests for acute and critical care such as PCT, Troponin, NT-proBNP, D-Dimer, TSH, and others.
Media contact SphingoTec:
Ruxandra Lenz
Sr. Manager Marketing and Communications
SphingoTec GmbH
Neuendorfstr. 15 A
16761 Hennigsdorf
Tel. +49-3302-20565-0
Hennigsdorf, Germany, 23 July 2026 — SphingoTec GmbH announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Bergmann, will attend the ADLM 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place from July 26 to 30, 2026. During the conference, SphingoTec will engage with current and prospective partners to discuss ongoing collaborations and opportunities to advance innovations in critical care diagnostics. These interactions support SphingoTec’s strategy to expand the clinical and commercial reach of its biomarker portfolio. “ADLM provides an important platform to connect with partners across the diagnostics ecosystem,” said Deborah Bergmann, CEO of SphingoTec. “These discussions align with our commitment to translating biomarker innovation into clinically meaningful solutions for patients in critical care.” About SphingoTec SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) is a biomarker company focusing on the out-licensing of innovative critical care solutions for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring acute medical conditions. SphingoTec develops its biomarkers to the commercial stage and partners with IVD companies to make them available on different IVD platforms. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in critical diseases, and bioactive Adrenomedullin 1-52 (bio-ADM), a biomarker for the assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis. Discover more on www.sphingotec.com Media Contact: Email: press@sphingotec.com Phone +49-3302-20565-0 SphingoTec GmbH Neuendorfstr. 15A 16761 Hennigsdorf, Germany
• New ELISA sphingotest® penKid® enables widespread measurement of the kidney function biomarker Proenkephalin 119-159 (penKid) using standard laboratory equipment. • Only available test to match SphingoTec’s reference chemiluminescence assay, developed with patented high-sensitivity technology to provide consistent results across platforms. Hennigsdorf/Berlin, Germany, April 28 2026 - SphingoTec GmbH announces the launch of the ELISA sphingotest® penKid®, a new assay designed to make testing of its proprietary biomarker broadly accessible to research laboratories and pharmaceutical partners. Providing ease-of-use and precision, the test facilitates large-scale investigations of human kidney function in both acute and broader clinical research contexts. Responding to growing research interest The launch follows increasing demand from the scientific community to study penKid - a biomarker reflecting the current state of kidney function in critical care environments. While SphingoTec’s high-sensitivity sphingotest® penKid® assay serves as the reference method for clinical research and third-party IVD assays, the assay technology requiring dedicated equipment was not easily adoptable in research laboratories. The new ELISA sphingotest® penKid® now allows researchers worldwide to benefit from SphingoTec’s patented detection technology using standard photometers, extending penKid testing capability to a wider range of laboratories. Proven performance and data continuity The ELISA sphingotest® penKid® has been developed to achieve excellent correlation with SphingoTec’s reference chemiluminescence assay, ensuring consistent, high-quality results across different assay platforms. Both methods share the same underlying technology capable of detecting penKid concentrations in the picomolar range. Thanks to this technology transfer, researchers can rely on the same analytical precision and reliability that supported the clinical studies establishing penKid as a valuable kidney function biomarker. The assay’s robust design and German manufacturing ensure durable consistency and reproducibility. With this research-use ELISA, SphingoTec responds to the increasing availability of non-validated assays and encourages researchers to not compromise assay quality and performance to ensure trustworthy results - since data from non-validated tests may reflect assay limitations rather than the true performance of the penKid biomarker. Complementary approaches for clinical use and scientific exploration SphingoTec pursues its commercial strategy for the biomarker penKid through strategic out-licensing partnerships such as Boditech Med, which has developed an IVDR-certified assay for routine clinical use and rapid diagnostics. The newly launched ELISA sphingotest® penKid® represents a complementary initiative, specifically designed to support high-throughput clinical and translational research. Through this dual approach, SphingoTec reaffirms its commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and promoting the broader exploration of penKid across diverse research settings. “Developing the ELISA sphingotest® penKid® reflects our long-term commitment to improving critical care diagnostics,” said Deborah Bergmann, Managing Director and CEO of SphingoTec GmbH. “Beyond its currently validated clinical applications, we see strong potential for penKid to support research and improve diagnostics in other fields where kidney function is relevant. By encouraging scientists worldwide to incorporate penKid into their studies and clinical programs, we aim to accelerate innovation and advance best-fit diagnostic solutions that ultimately improve patient care.” About SphingoTec SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) is a biomarker company focusing on the out-licensing of innovative critical care solutions for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring acute medical conditions. SphingoTec develops its biomarkers to the commercial stage and partners with IVD companies to make them available on different IVD platforms. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in critical diseases, and bioactive Adrenomedullin 1-52 (bio-ADM), a biomarker for the assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis. Discover more on www.sphingotec.com Media Contact: Email: press@sphingotec.com Phone +49-3302-20565-0 SphingoTec GmbH Neuendorfstr. 15A 16761 Hennigsdorf, Germany