eversyn GmbH: Company Profile

Background

Overview

eversyn GmbH is a biotechnology startup specializing in the production of complex glycans, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), through innovative cell-free enzymatic synthesis. Originating as a spin-off from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg, Germany, eversyn aims to revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of these vital molecules for applications in nutrition and biopharmaceuticals.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications by leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology to make high-value glycans accessible at both research and industrial scales. This approach seeks to unlock the full potential of glycans, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in nutrition and biopharma.

Industry Significance

eversyn's innovative technology addresses significant challenges in the nutrition and biopharmaceutical sectors, where the high cost and limited availability of complex glycans have hindered advancements. By providing a scalable and cost-effective solution, eversyn is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the development of therapeutic proteins, functional food ingredients, and other glycan-based products.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Scalable Production: Developing efficient, large-scale production methods for complex glycans to meet the growing demand in various industries.

• Cost Reduction: Implementing technologies that significantly lower the production costs of high-value glycans, making them more accessible for research and commercial applications.

• Innovation in Glycobiology: Advancing the field of glycoengineering by providing tools and substrates that enable precise control over glycan structures in therapeutic proteins and other biomolecules.

Areas of Specialization

• Cell-Free Enzymatic Synthesis: Utilizing novel biocatalytic cascades to produce nucleotide sugars and HMOs without the limitations of traditional cell-based methods.

• Glycoengineering Tools: Offering activated sugars and glycoenzymes that facilitate the tailored glycosylation of proteins and other biomolecules.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Biocatalysis: Employing enzyme-based reactions to synthesize complex glycans efficiently.

• Synthetic Biology: Designing and optimizing enzyme networks for the production of nucleotide sugars and HMOs.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Biopharmaceuticals: Enhancing the development of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and other glycoproteins.

• Nutrition: Producing HMOs for infant formula and other functional food products.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Seed Funding: In March 2025, eversyn secured €1.6 million in seed funding to scale up production and accelerate technology applications in nutrition and biopharmaceuticals.

• EXIST Research Transfer Grant: Prior to the seed funding, the company received a €1.1 million grant from the EXIST Transfer of Research Grant program, supporting innovative startups from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Notable Investors

• bmp Ventures: Led the seed funding round, recognizing eversyn's scalable technology platform and commercialization potential.

• IBG Funds: Participated in the seed funding round, supporting innovative technology companies in Saxony-Anhalt.

• Max Planck Society and MPF Start-Up Accelerator GmbH: Provided co-investments, reflecting strong institutional support for the company's mission.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated towards scaling production capabilities, expanding the team, enhancing research and development efforts, and establishing strategic partnerships to accelerate market entry.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Activated Sugars: Developing nucleotide sugars essential for glycosylation processes in therapeutic proteins and other biomolecules.

• Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): Producing complex oligosaccharides for use in infant nutrition and other health-related applications.

Stages of Development

• Research and Development: Ongoing optimization of enzyme networks and biocatalytic processes for efficient production.

• Commercialization: Transitioning from laboratory-scale production to larger-scale manufacturing to meet industry demands.

Target Conditions

• Infant Nutrition: Supplying HMOs for infant formula to support infant health and development.

• Biopharmaceuticals: Enhancing the efficacy and safety of therapeutic proteins through precise glycosylation.

Anticipated Milestones

• Product Launches: Introducing activated sugars and HMOs to the market.

• Regulatory Approvals: Obtaining necessary certifications and approvals for biopharmaceutical applications.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Cell-Free Enzymatic Synthesis: A novel approach that allows for the production of complex glycans without the constraints of cellular metabolism.

• Biocatalytic Cascades: Optimized enzyme networks designed to synthesize nucleotide sugars and HMOs efficiently.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Enzyme Optimization: Enhancing enzyme activity and stability to improve reaction yields.

• Synthetic Biology Techniques: Designing and constructing new enzyme pathways for glycan synthesis.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Process Optimization: Utilizing computational models to predict and enhance enzyme performance and reaction conditions.

Leadership Team

Dr. Thomas Rexer – Managing Director

Dr. Rexer is dedicated to the development of eversyn's technology. As a co-inventor of the company's IP portfolio, he has a proven track record in biotechnology. He holds a BSc in process engineering from the University of Stuttgart, an MSc from The University of Manchester, and a PhD from Newcastle University.

Rachel Thu Nguyen – Chief Business Officer

Ms. Nguyen manages business development at eversyn. With expertise in sales, marketing, and human resources, she has experience in the hi-tech, nutrition, and medical device industries. She graduated with an MSc in International Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship from Otto-von-Guericke-University of Magdeburg.

Dr. Nam-Hai Hoang – Principal Scientist Biocatalysis

Dr. Hoang brings substantial experience in enzyme development and biocatalysis. He holds a combined Master and PhD in Bioengineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology and has worked as a postdoc at Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB.

Sebastian Bruno Kleeberg – Head of Production

Mr. Kleeberg is responsible for production and quality at eversyn. He specializes in biocatalytic processes and microbial fermentation engineering. He earned a BSc in molecular biotechnology from the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz and is pursuing an MSc at Bielefeld University.

Dr. Daniel Last – Executive Director Strategic Initiatives

Dr. Last oversees strategic initiatives at eversyn. He holds a diploma in biochemistry and a PhD in biocatalysis from the University of Greifswald. His experience includes a postdoc at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology and project leadership at IDT Biologika.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global market for complex glycans, including HMOs, is experiencing significant growth due to increasing health awareness and the demand for advanced nutritional and therapeutic products. The biopharmaceutical sector, in particular, is seeking efficient methods for glycosylation to enhance the efficacy and safety of therapeutic proteins.

Competitor Analysis

eversyn operates in a competitive landscape with several companies focusing on glycan production and glycoengineering. Key competitors include:

• Evotec SE: A German company specializing in drug discovery and development, including glycoengineering services.

• Evaxion Biotech A/S: A Danish company focusing on immunotherapies and glycoengineering.