Published: 28.07.2025
The University of Pardubice was represented at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka, Japan, through the innovative biotechnology company Lipidica. On Friday 25 July, in the Czech National Pavilion, the company presented an innovative blood test using a unique lipidomic approach to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. Lipidica is a spin-off jointly founded by the University of Pardubice (UPCE) and the Czech holding company FONS JK Group a.s.
As part of the official programme of the Czech Pavilion’s Education Day (EDU Day), Lipidica gave a formal presentation. In addition, the company held several high-level meetings with international experts in the fields of pancreatic tumours and lipidomic analysis – the core of the unique diagnostic method developed by a research team led by analytical chemist Professor Michal Holčapek from the Faculty of Chemical Technology at UPCE.
“One of our main aims was to establish connections that could help facilitate our entry into international markets. A significant advantage for us is that, in addition to the Czech Republic, our patent for early detection of pancreatic tumours is also valid in the United States and Japan – which adds considerable credibility to our efforts in the eyes of potential international partners. We regard our participation in EXPO as both an honour and a valuable opportunity,” said Karolina Kašparová, Chief Commercial Officer at Lipidica.
The University of Pardubice was also represented at the exhibition by its Rector, Professor Libor Čapek, and Vice-Rector for External Relations, Professor Petra Bajerová. “We deeply value the opportunity to showcase the results of world-class research conducted at the University of Pardubice – and lipidomic analysis is undoubtedly among our most notable achievements. Moreover, it is research that is now successfully being translated into practice in cooperation with FONS JK Group,” said Professor Čapek.
The Czech Republic is participating in EXPO 2025 under the national theme “Talent and Creativity for Life.” Lipidica played a key role in presenting Czech innovation. Its pioneering blood test is currently undergoing a clinical study and, if successfully validated, has the potential to save lives across the globe. The study is being carried out in collaboration with 16 hospitals throughout the Czech Republic, and public interest has far exceeded expectations. Just a month ago, the company announced that, thanks to the large number of volunteers, it had completed recruitment for one of the two study arms.
“Our screening questionnaire was completed by over 8,000 people, 272 of whom met the criteria for further testing – allowing us to reach full capacity. However, we are still seeking individuals with newly diagnosed early-stage pancreatic cancer. We expect to have the first results of the clinical study by the end of this year. The full study should conclude by mid-2026, after which we will analyse the data with the aim of obtaining certification for the test,” added Karolina Kašparová.
Lipidica a.s., which focuses on the development and commercialisation of a blood-based method for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, received the Neuron Award in 2023 for outstanding achievements in science–business collaboration.
