David Ofner is one of the two co-founders of EVANIUM. In the following interview, he discusses his primary activities, what motivated him to establish EVANIUM, and the company’s short-term and long-term objectives.
What are your primary responsibilities, and how do they contribute to the success of the company?
One of my primary responsibilities is to coordinate internal and external research. We are primarily concerned with technological systems that enhance the water solubility of substances. As a result, the body can use them more readily. For example, we are currently screening excipients. In this process, we investigate how various excipients affect the water solubility of plant substances. To find the optimal combination, we are testing multiple excipients with different active ingredients in a high-throughput process.
I also coordinate our branded ingredients, i.e. products that are already on the market. In addition, I am responsible for in vitro research. The lab demonstrates improved solubility. In this case, however, the aim is to demonstrate the effectiveness of various complex compounds or raw materials. Our focus is on a complex that has neuroprotective effects and is used in the field of cognitive enhancement. We are currently investigating the neuroprotective effects of the flavonoid complex in a human cell line. This project is fascinating and offers insight into potential areas of application in the field of neuroprotection.
At the same time, I am the primary point of contact for the university. This covers university research projects and joint development initiatives. We are currently developing an in vitro model to determine bioavailability.
How did you become interested in this field, and what motivated you to found the life science start-up EVANIUM?
I spent my childhood in Singapore, where traditional Chinese pharmacies are prevalent. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the medicinal plants, roots, and dried leaves on display there. During my studies, my interest in pharmaceutical technology grew even stronger. In particular, I wanted to maximize the benefits of existing active ingredients. Targeted carrier systems and advanced drug delivery technologies fascinated me. I often wondered how a drug with so much potential could fail screening. The reason was often poor water solubility or almost no effect in its pure form. The same problem also exists with herbal active ingredients. Although they often have interesting effects, poor bioavailability and water solubility prevent their benefits from being used. The hidden potential of these substances motivated me to focus on this area, which led to the founding of our start-up, Evanium.
What are your personal goals and visions for the future of EVANIUM?
We intend to expand our platform technology and offer a universal technology for plant extracts and plant-based active ingredients. In the long term, we also want to specialize in identifying our own active ingredients. Currently, however, the focus is more on the galenics and formulation of existing active ingredients. Above all, we aim to expand the screening process further to identify our own active ingredients. Our long-term vision is also to offer more plant-based health solutions. After all, the trend is moving towards plant-based products, especially in the OTC and consumer care sectors. Unlocking the full effectiveness of plant extracts would be a big step towards our goal. The same applies to supplying raw materials for innovative new products.
