What Arkana Laboratories does

Arkana Laboratories is a center for esoteric pathology headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, founded in 2001 by Dr. Patrick Walker as Nephropathology Associates and rebranded under its current name in 2016. The firm operates as the largest renal pathology laboratory in the United States, with 25 board-certified renal pathologists and 3 neuropathologists supported by more than 140 technical and administrative staff, processing more than 90 kidney biopsies per day from referring physicians and hospitals across 46 states. Core diagnostic capabilities span light microscopy, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics (PCR, digital PCR, NanoString), mass spectrometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence imaging; the firm runs a refined 9-hour same-day turnaround workflow for renal biopsies and a 3–5 day turnaround for neuromuscular (muscle and nerve) biopsies.

The business generates revenue through fee-for-service esoteric pathology testing billed to hospitals or third-party payers, supplemented by a PCR-based APOL1 Genotyping Assay (with a No Cost to Patient program sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals), contract research organization (CRO) services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors via a GCLP-trained, CAP/CLIA/NY-State-certified central lab, a Clinical Biomarker Center offering multiplex imaging in partnership with Quanterix (Akoya) and Vizgen (Ultivue), and a Biorepository supporting kidney disease research. Distribution is direct-to-provider: FedEx-shipped biopsy kits, specimen return logistics, physician phone consultation, faxed reports, and the Arkana Connect mobile app for real-time result access. The firm also operates a one-year renal pathology fellowship, a six-month mid-career transition program, and an extensive educational content program (blog, quizzes, podcast) that functions as a low-cost physician referral channel.

Arkana remains privately held with no disclosed outside investment or parent company. Its research footprint includes 505+ peer-reviewed publications, a 500+-case kidney biopsy biorepository, and access to approximately 50,000 kidney biopsy records spanning 2001–2024, supporting both academic research and pharma-sponsored clinical trial central pathology work. Strategic priorities visible from 2012 onward include sequential vertical expansion (molecular, neuropathology, clinical trials, biomarker center), talent depth as the most concentrated renal pathologist team globally, and partnership-led growth into pharma-sponsored genetic testing channels.

Name

Arkana Laboratories

Legal name

Arkana Laboratories

Website

https://arkanalabs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Arkana Laboratories is a privately held esoteric pathology lab in Little Rock, Arkansas, providing same-day renal biopsy interpretation, neuromuscular diagnostics, APOL1 genotyping, and CRO services to nephrologists, hospitals, and pharma sponsors across 46 U.S. states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Esoteric Pathology Diagnostic Services

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Clinical Research & Trial Central Laboratories (HLAFAMAL)

Keywords

• Renal pathology services
• Neuropathology diagnostics
• Biopsy interpretation
• APOL1 genotyping
• Contract research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Rock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Services: Arkana generates revenue by providing fee-for-service esoteric pathology diagnostic testing to hospitals, clinics, nephrologists, and pathologists across 46 states. Services include renal biopsy interpretation (light microscopy, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy), neuropathology (muscle and nerve biopsy analysis), and APOL1 genotyping. Billing can be directed to hospitals or third-party payers.
2. APOL1 Genotyping Assay: PCR-based genetic testing for APOL1 risk variants (G1, G2, M1) with 24-hour turnaround. Revenue generated from standard laboratory fees for the APOL1 Genotyping Assay. A no-cost testing program is sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for eligible patients (African ancestry with proteinuria or decreased kidney function, without diabetes).
3. Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services: Fee-for-service contract research for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions. Services include board-certified pathologist reads, biomarker identification, stains, transmission electron microscopy, digital PCR, NanoString assays, RNA/DNA extraction, whole slide scanning, AI-based quantitative image analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, laser capture microdissection, and prospective/retrospective referral services. Served as central anatomic pathology lab for clinical trials in glomerulonephritis.
4. Biorepository Services: De-identified human biologic sample collection and archiving for research purposes, supporting development of diagnostic tests and biomarkers for kidney disease. Samples used to develop serologic and molecular tests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Arkana Laboratories is a specialized esoteric pathology laboratory that provides kidney and neuromuscular biopsy interpretation, genetic testing (APOL1 genotyping), and contract research services for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical sponsors. It operates the largest team of board-certified renal pathologists in the United States, processing 90+ kidney biopsies per day from 46 states with a 9-hour turnaround, and delivers results via phone consultation, fax, web portal, and a mobile app.

Product overview

Arkana Laboratories is a center for esoteric pathology offering a comprehensive portfolio of diagnostic and research services. The core services include renal pathology with same-day biopsy results (light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy), neuropathology for muscle and nerve biopsies, APOL1 genotyping assay (PCR-based, 24-hour turnaround), and contract research services for clinical trials. Supporting services include a biorepository for kidney disease research and a Clinical Biomarker Center for multiplex imaging. The company also provides educational programs including a one-year renal pathology fellowship and a six-month mid-career transition program. Arkana Connect provides mobile access to patient results. All services are delivered from a single location in Little Rock, Arkansas, with the company processing thousands of kidney biopsies annually from 46 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Renal Pathology Services Same-day renal biopsy interpretation and diagnosis combining light microscopy, immunofluorescence (IF), and electron microscopy (EM), with clinicopathologic discussion delivered by board-certified nephropathologists. Arkana processes 90+ kidney biopsies per day for adult, pediatric, and transplant cases received from 46 states.
• Neuropathology Services Expert analysis of muscle and nerve biopsies by three board-certified neuropathologists for inflammatory myopathies, muscular dystrophies, metabolic and congenital myopathies, and neuromuscular disease diagnosis. Includes neurosurgical consultations and autopsy brain analysis, with rapid 3–5 day turnaround and 24-hour preliminary results; accepts fresh or frozen tissue.
• APOL1 Genotyping Assay PCR-based genetic test detecting APOL1 kidney risk variants (G1, G2, and the M1 protective modifier) in patients of African ancestry, with 24-hour turnaround. A no-cost testing program is available to eligible patients through sponsorship by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Metis Genetics pre-test counseling.
• Contract Research Services (CRO) GCLP-trained, CAP/CLIA/NY State-certified contract research organization (CRO) services for pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic sponsors. Includes board-certified pathologist reads, novel biomarker identification, transmission electron microscopy, digital PCR, NanoString assays, RNA/DNA extraction, whole slide scanning, AI-based quantitative image analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and laser capture microdissection. Arkana has served as a central anatomic pathology laboratory for clinical trials, including in glomerulonephritis.
• Arkana Biorepository Collection and archiving of de-identified human biologic samples for kidney disease research, supporting development of serologic and molecular diagnostic tests and biomarkers. The biorepository holds hundreds of well-characterized kidney biopsy cases spanning conditions such as membranous glomerulopathy, lupus nephritis, and fibrillary glomerulopathy. Mobile phlebotomy is available via partner ExamOne.
• Clinical Biomarker Center Certified partner with Quanterix (formerly Akoya Biosciences) and Vizgen (formerly Ultivue) offering multiplex imaging of human tissues for biomarker discovery. Capabilities include Leica BondRx automated staining, Quanterix PhenoImagerHT fluorescence and brightfield whole slide scanning with InForm spectral unmixing, Halo AI image processing, Halo Link remote collaboration, Olympus VS200 high-throughput fluorescence and brightfield scanning, and Leica laser scanning confocal microscopy.
• Arkana Connect Mobile App Mobile application (iOS and Android) providing physicians secure access to patient biopsy results, including reports and diagnostic images, with two-factor authentication.

Quantifiable outcome

• Same-day renal biopsy results - from specimen receipt to final results delivered in 9 hours
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vertex PharmaceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Vertex Pharmaceuticals sponsors the No Cost to Patient APOL1 Genotyping Program, enabling healthcare providers to order APOL1-risk variant testing at no cost for qualifying patients (African ancestry with proteinuria or CKD Stages 1-4, without diabetes). Vertex also covers cost of genetic counseling for eligible patients. This partnership advances awareness and diagnosis of APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
• Metis GeneticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Metis Genetics provides pre-test genetic counseling to eligible patients in the No Cost to Patient APOL1 Genotyping Program, reviewing benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Genetic counseling available before testing and after results for patients testing positive for APOL1 high-risk variants. Sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
• Quanterix (formerly Akoya Biosciences)coreTechnology or IntegrationArkana Laboratories' Clinical Biomarker Center is a certified partner in Quanterix's CRO Partnership Program, specializing in multiplex imaging of human tissues. Uses Quanterix PhenoImagerHT fluorescence and brightfield whole slide scanning microscope with InForm software for spectral unmixing. Also uses Vizgen (formerly Ultivue) technology.
• Vizgen (formerly Ultivue)coreTechnology or IntegrationArkana Laboratories' Clinical Biomarker Center specializes in multiplex imaging of human tissues in partnership with Vizgen. Vizgen technology complements Quanterix PhenoImagerHT and Leica BondRx for advanced tissue imaging services.
• ExamOneminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExamOne provides mobile phlebotomy services for the Arkana Biorepository program. ExamOne sends a mobile phlebotomist to a location of the patient's choosing (home or office) to collect biological samples. Arkana Labs covers cost of mobile phlebotomy and shipping.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ARUP Laboratories: ARUP Laboratories is a nonprofit reference laboratory affiliated with the University of Utah, providing esoteric diagnostic testing including renal pathology, neuropathology, and genetic testing. It competes directly with Arkana for hospital system contracts and offers comparable subspecialty pathologist reads.
• Quest Diagnostics: Quest Diagnostics is one of the largest U.S. clinical laboratory networks, offering anatomic pathology, esoteric testing, and increasingly subspecialty renal and molecular diagnostics. It competes with Arkana primarily through hospital system contracts and a national logistics network.
• Laboratory Corporation of America (Labcorp): Labcorp is a major clinical laboratory network with a growing esoteric and specialty pathology portfolio, including the acquired MNG Laboratories for neuromuscular diagnostics. It is a broad competitor to Arkana's diagnostic and CRO services across hospitals and physician offices.
• Sonic Healthcare USA: Sonic Healthcare USA operates a national network of specialty and reference laboratories including anatomic pathology and esoteric testing services. It competes with Arkana as a broader reference lab alternative for hospital systems seeking subspecialty renal pathology reads.
• Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Mayo Clinic Laboratories is the reference laboratory arm of Mayo Clinic, offering an extensive esoteric test menu including renal pathology consultations and second-opinion biopsy interpretation. It competes with Arkana for hospital referrals and second-opinion renal biopsy work, though its scope is far broader across all pathology subspecialties.

Direct peers

• MNG Laboratories (Labcorp): MNG Laboratories is a specialty neuropathology and molecular genetic testing laboratory (now part of Labcorp) focused on neuromuscular disease diagnostics including muscle and nerve biopsy interpretation. It is the most direct head-to-head competitor to Arkana's neuropathology service line.
• PreventionGenetics (Exact Sciences): PreventionGenetics is a CLIA-certified clinical DNA testing laboratory (now part of Exact Sciences) offering genetic assays including kidney disease risk testing. It is a direct comparable to Arkana's APOL1 genotyping assay and broader molecular diagnostic services.

Emerging players

• NeoGenomics: NeoGenomics is a specialty oncology-focused clinical laboratory with growing activity in molecular and anatomic pathology CRO services for pharma clinical trials. It overlaps with Arkana's CRO/biopharma service line, particularly for central pathology lab partnerships.
• PathAI: PathAI is an AI-powered pathology technology company providing machine-learning image analysis tools for diagnostic and CRO applications. It is comparable to Arkana's emerging AI/machine-learning biopsy adequacy work and contract research image analytics capabilities.

Others

• Eurofins Scientific: Eurofins Scientific is a global laboratory testing group with a substantial clinical diagnostics and pharmaceutical CRO footprint, including specialty biomarker and central lab services. It is comparable as an adjacent CRO/biomarker player serving similar pharmaceutical clients in clinical trials.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/arkanalabs

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arkana Laboratories