Developing Groundbreaking

Therapies in Cardiovascular

and Inflammatory Diseases

Founded on a Fundamentally New Therapeutic Modality

OMEICOS Therapeutics was founded as a spin-off from the Max-Delbrück-Center (MDC) in Berlin in 2013. We have translated pioneering scientific discoveries made at the MDC in collaboration with University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center into clinical development in less than four years after founding the company. The company’s therapeutic approach targets one of nature’s most important cell-protective pathways with potential applications in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, mitochondrial diseases, multiple eye disorders and several other indications.

Naturally occurring metabolites of omega-3 fatty acids, so called epoxyeicosanoids, have the ability to activate anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic and cardioprotective signaling cascades in human cells. These properties make them an attractive class of therapeutic candidates but due to fact that they are metabolically unstable, this potential has proven difficult to put into practice. By designing and developing stable, synthetic analogs of these epoxyeicosanoids, OMEICOS has found a way to unlock the full therapeutic potential of this approach. 

A Complementary Leadership Team

OMEICOS’ management team currently consists of five highly skilled and experienced industry and research executives with a broad range of expertise covering scientific, clinical, operational and business aspects of pharmaceutical discovery, development and commercialization.

Robert Fischer

Co-founder and CEO/CSO

Robert Fischer is a board-certified medical doctor in internal medicine and worked as a clinical cardiologist at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. He has long-term professional experience as principle investigator and sub-investigator in several cardiovascular clinical trials. At Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Dr. Fischer led a research group and established methods to analyze arrhythmia mechanisms in animal models.

Robert Fischer

Co-founder and CEO/CSO

Robert Fischer is a board-certified medical doctor in internal medicine and worked as a clinical cardiologist at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. He has long-term professional experience as principle investigator and sub-investigator in several cardiovascular clinical trials. At Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Dr. Fischer led a research group and established methods to analyze arrhythmia mechanisms in animal models.

Simon Russell

CBO

Simon Russell’s career began in R&D before gaining over 20 years’ experience in senior commercial and business roles in AstraZeneca, Novartis AG and biotech. Following his last role as Head of Strategic Marketing for Biologics at Novartis, he became CBO of Creabilis Ltd leading commercial, corporate and business development ultimately negotiating its sale to Sienna Biopharmaceuticals with its subsequent IPO on NASDAQ. He is a co-founder of a biotech emerging from the Basel incubator initiative. Dr Russell studied Chemistry at the University of Oxford and received a PhD from Southampton University.

Simon Russell

CBO

Simon Russell’s career began in R&D before gaining over 20 years’ experience in senior commercial and business roles in AstraZeneca, Novartis AG and biotech. Following his last role as Head of Strategic Marketing for Biologics at Novartis, he became CBO of Creabilis Ltd leading commercial, corporate and business development ultimately negotiating its sale to Sienna Biopharmaceuticals with its subsequent IPO on NASDAQ. He is a co-founder of a biotech emerging from the Basel incubator initiative. Dr Russell studied Chemistry at the University of Oxford and received a PhD from Southampton University.

Karen Uhlmann

Co-founder and
Vice President Operations & IP

Karen Uhlmann has more than 20 years experience in IP Asset Management, being instrumental in partnering a multitude of innovative technologies from academia to biotech and pharma companies, closing option and license agreements, raising funds, drafting and executing all different routes of commercialization. She holds a Master and a PhD in Biology from Freie Universität zu Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and has earned a business degree from the Chamber of Commerce Berlin.

Karen Uhlmann

Co-founder and
Vice President Operations & IP

Karen Uhlmann has more than 20 years experience in IP Asset Management, being instrumental in partnering a multitude of innovative technologies from academia to biotech and pharma companies, closing option and license agreements, raising funds, drafting and executing all different routes of commercialization. She holds a Master and a PhD in Biology from Freie Universität zu Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and has earned a business degree from the Chamber of Commerce Berlin.

Luciana Summo

Director
Clinical Operations

Luciana Summo has gained more than 17 years’ experience in the management of early to late-stage clinical studies in cardiovascular, hematology, antiviral, and ophthalmic indications. Prior to joining OMEICOS, she has worked at Berlin-Chemie, a subsidiary of the Menarini Group, and at NOXXON Pharma AG. Following her degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Bari, Dr. Summo obtained her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in collaboration with the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science of the King’s College in London.

Luciana Summo

Director
Clinical Operations

Luciana Summo has gained more than 17 years’ experience in the management of early to late-stage clinical studies in cardiovascular, hematology, antiviral, and ophthalmic indications. Prior to joining OMEICOS, she has worked at Berlin-Chemie, a subsidiary of the Menarini Group, and at NOXXON Pharma AG. Following her degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Bari, Dr. Summo obtained her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in collaboration with the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science of the King’s College in London.

Edita Bade

Head of Finance
& Controlling

Edita Bade has gained more than 20 years of experience in various Finance, Controlling & Project Leader roles across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining OMEICOS, she supported the leadership team of an international Real Estate development company with the valuation and long-term value development projections of real estate opportunities, due diligence and acquisition/sales of these assets.

Edita Bade

Head of Finance
& Controlling

Edita Bade has gained more than 20 years of experience in various Finance, Controlling & Project Leader roles across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining OMEICOS, she supported the leadership team of an international Real Estate development company with the valuation and long-term value development projections of real estate opportunities, due diligence and acquisition/sales of these assets.

An Experienced Board Supporting OMEICOS

OMEICOS’ Supervisory Board consists of professionally qualified members with many years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as well as academic research in the relevant sectors for the company.

Supervisory Board

Bernhard Kirschbaum

Chairman

Bernhard Kirschbaum studied biochemistry and physiological chemistry at the University of Konstanz and received his PhD in 1989. He moved on to work at the Rockefeller University and the Pasteur Institute before making a career in the pharmaceutical industry where he covered a broad range of technological and disease areas. In his most recent position, Dr. Kirschbaum served as head of Global Research and Early Development at Merck Serono where he was a member of the board.

Bernhard Kirschbaum

Chairman

Bernhard Kirschbaum studied biochemistry and physiological chemistry at the University of Konstanz and received his PhD in 1989. He moved on to work at the Rockefeller University and the Pasteur Institute before making a career in the pharmaceutical industry where he covered a broad range of technological and disease areas. In his most recent position, Dr. Kirschbaum served as head of Global Research and Early Development at Merck Serono where he was a member of the board.

Christian Schetter

Christian Schetter has over 20 years’ industry experience in life sciences, and is Managing Director of venture capital firm Arix Bioscience. As CEO he built immuno-oncology company Rigontec and lead it to an acquisition by MSD for a total consideration of EUR 464 m. Previously he was President and CEO of Fresenius Biotech and led the successful spin-out from the Neopharm Group to form Neovii Biotech. As SVP of European Operations, he was part of the leadership team which built Coley Pharmaceuticals from inception, a NASDAQ IPO and the acquisition by Pfizer in 2007. Christian has a PhD in Molecular Biology and hold research positions at the Max Planck Institute and the Scripps Research Institute.

Christian Schetter

Christian Schetter has over 20 years’ industry experience in life sciences, and is Managing Director of venture capital firm Arix Bioscience. As CEO he built immuno-oncology company Rigontec and lead it to an acquisition by MSD for a total consideration of EUR 464 m. Previously he was President and CEO of Fresenius Biotech and led the successful spin-out from the Neopharm Group to form Neovii Biotech. As SVP of European Operations, he was part of the leadership team which built Coley Pharmaceuticals from inception, a NASDAQ IPO and the acquisition by Pfizer in 2007. Christian has a PhD in Molecular Biology and hold research positions at the Max Planck Institute and the Scripps Research Institute.

Holger Reithinger

Holger Reithinger is General Partner and heads the Munich Office of venture capital firm Forbion. He is also member of the investment committee of the Hightech-Gründer Fonds, Germany’s biggest early-stage and seed investor. Prior to joining Forbion, he was Partner at Global Life Science Ventures and Director at Germany’s healthcare practice of 3i and Investment Manager at Technologieholding VC. Dr. Reithinger studied Molecular Biology/Microbial Biology and Biochemistry at the Universities of Heidelberg and Munich. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, which he obtained under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Arne Skerra in the department of Prof. Dr. Hartmut Michel.

Holger Reithinger

Holger Reithinger is General Partner and heads the Munich Office of venture capital firm Forbion. He is also member of the investment committee of the Hightech-Gründer Fonds, Germany’s biggest early-stage and seed investor. Prior to joining Forbion, he was Partner at Global Life Science Ventures and Director at Germany’s healthcare practice of 3i and Investment Manager at Technologieholding VC. Dr. Reithinger studied Molecular Biology/Microbial Biology and Biochemistry at the Universities of Heidelberg and Munich. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, which he obtained under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Arne Skerra in the department of Prof. Dr. Hartmut Michel.

Christian Schneider

Christian Schneider, Managing Partner of Vesalius Biocapital, has been a venture capital executive for 20 years. He gained extensive experience in the areas of diagnostics, medtech, and therapeutics in the corporate life science and venture capital industry. Previously he held positions of increasing responsibility at Boehringer Mannheim, Centocor, and Johnson&Johnson. As a managing partner of VC firm PolyTechnos, he was responsible for OncoMethylome (IPO, 2006), Devgen (IPO, 2005) and Jerini (IPO, 2005). He was support partner for Addex (IPO, 2007) and BiPar (USD 500m sale to Sanofi-Aventis, 2009). He joined Vesalius in 2008 and is responsible for the portfolio companies Skyline (write-off), Activaero (EUR 130m sale to Vectura, 2014), Ventaleon, OMEICOS, Humedics and Mecuris where he serves on the boards. Dr. Schneider holds a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine (1992) and a PhD in immunology (1995), both from the University of Munich, Germany, and an MBA with focus on healthcare administration from Penn State University, Pennsylvania (1999).

Christian Schneider

Christian Schneider, Managing Partner of Vesalius Biocapital, has been a venture capital executive for 20 years. He gained extensive experience in the areas of diagnostics, medtech, and therapeutics in the corporate life science and venture capital industry. Previously he held positions of increasing responsibility at Boehringer Mannheim, Centocor, and Johnson&Johnson. As a managing partner of VC firm PolyTechnos, he was responsible for OncoMethylome (IPO, 2006), Devgen (IPO, 2005) and Jerini (IPO, 2005). He was support partner for Addex (IPO, 2007) and BiPar (USD 500m sale to Sanofi-Aventis, 2009). He joined Vesalius in 2008 and is responsible for the portfolio companies Skyline (write-off), Activaero (EUR 130m sale to Vectura, 2014), Ventaleon, OMEICOS, Humedics and Mecuris where he serves on the boards. Dr. Schneider holds a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine (1992) and a PhD in immunology (1995), both from the University of Munich, Germany, and an MBA with focus on healthcare administration from Penn State University, Pennsylvania (1999).

Ute Mercker

Ute Mercker, a seasoned Venture Capital executive with more than 20 years’ experience, serves as Prokuristin / Investment Director at IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft. Since 1997 she is overseeing the Life Science portfolio of the regional venture capital funds of Berlin. She managed investments into companies such as Jerini (IPO 2005, USD 521 acquired by Shire in 2008), Scienion (Secondary 2016), Scopis (2017 sale to Stryker), EternyGen and Selfapy, in most cases serving on the supervisory boards of these companies, too. Ute Mercker holds an MBA from the Freie Universität Berlin.

Ute Mercker

Ute Mercker, a seasoned Venture Capital executive with more than 20 years’ experience, serves as Prokuristin / Investment Director at IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft. Since 1997 she is overseeing the Life Science portfolio of the regional venture capital funds of Berlin. She managed investments into companies such as Jerini (IPO 2005, USD 521 acquired by Shire in 2008), Scienion (Secondary 2016), Scopis (2017 sale to Stryker), EternyGen and Selfapy, in most cases serving on the supervisory boards of these companies, too. Ute Mercker holds an MBA from the Freie Universität Berlin.

Peter Seiler

Head of Treasury Vice President SMS GmbH




Peter Seiler

Head of Treasury Vice President SMS GmbH




Taro Inaba

Taro Inaba is Founder and Managing Partner at Remiges Ventures. He has over 29 years of business experience including 19 years in start-up financing and company creation. At Remiges, Taro is engaged in technology sourcing, company creation, leading negotiation for investments and serving as director for seven of the Remiges’ portfolio companies. Prior to establishing Remiges Ventures, he spent 13 years at divisions of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. engaged in venture investment activities where he built and managed the biopharma investment team and investment portfolio. He served as President & CEO of Mitsui & Co. Venture Partners in Menlo Park, California from 2008 to 2009. Taro holds a B.E. in Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto University and MBA from European University. Taro is a CFA charter holder.

Taro Inaba

Taro Inaba is Founder and Managing Partner at Remiges Ventures. He has over 29 years of business experience including 19 years in start-up financing and company creation. At Remiges, Taro is engaged in technology sourcing, company creation, leading negotiation for investments and serving as director for seven of the Remiges’ portfolio companies. Prior to establishing Remiges Ventures, he spent 13 years at divisions of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. engaged in venture investment activities where he built and managed the biopharma investment team and investment portfolio. He served as President & CEO of Mitsui & Co. Venture Partners in Menlo Park, California from 2008 to 2009. Taro holds a B.E. in Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto University and MBA from European University. Taro is a CFA charter holder.

Wolf-Hagen Schunck

Wolf-Hagen Schunck is biochemist at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch. He has over 30 years of research experience in the field of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived bioactive lipid mediators. Dr. Schunck’s laboratory identified 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ) laying the scientific basis for the foundation of OMEICOS. In collaboration with fellow co-founder Dr. John R. Falck, he developed robust synthetic analogues for in vivo administration. The current work of Dr. Schunck is focused on further elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the unique biological properties of 17,18-EEQ and developing new fields of clinical application in collaboration with academic partners and OMEICOS.

Wolf-Hagen Schunck

Wolf-Hagen Schunck is biochemist at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch. He has over 30 years of research experience in the field of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived bioactive lipid mediators. Dr. Schunck’s laboratory identified 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ) laying the scientific basis for the foundation of OMEICOS. In collaboration with fellow co-founder Dr. John R. Falck, he developed robust synthetic analogues for in vivo administration. The current work of Dr. Schunck is focused on further elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the unique biological properties of 17,18-EEQ and developing new fields of clinical application in collaboration with academic partners and OMEICOS.

Rapid Progress Into and Through the Clinic

Since its foundation, OMEICOS has made steady progress towards its goal of developing its core therapeutic approach into and through clinical trials. Thanks to a very lean and efficient drug development organization, the company was able to bring its lead asset OMT-28 into proof-of-concept and dose finding trials in less than 6 years.

2021

2020

October 2020

OMEICOS initiates the planning of 2 new Phase 2 studies with OMT-28 in CV inflammation and mitochondrial diseases

SEPTEMBER 2020

OMEICOS completes Phase 2 clinical study with OMT-28 and progresses 2 more candidates into pre-clinical development

2019

2018

Phase 2

APRIL 2019

OMEICOS initiates Phase 2 clinical trial with OMT-28 focusing on maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients suffering from persistent Atrial Fibrillation

NOVEMBER 2018

OMEICOS announces the closing of a EUR 17 million Series C financing led by new investor Forbion

2017

Phase 1

JULY 2018

OMEICOS Announces compelling first-in-human data on OMT-28 and prepares Phase 2 trial in Atrial Fibrillation

OCTOBER 2017

OMEICOS establishes a US subsidiary to manage future North American operations and secures second tranche of Series B with REMIGES Ventures as new investor

MARCH 2017

OMEICOS initiates Phase 1 clinical trial with OMT-28 and closes first tranche of a Series B with EUR 8.3 million

2015

2014

Pre-Clinical

April 2015

OMEICOS closes Series A round with EUR 6.2 million to take OMT-28 towards clinical trials

JULY 2014

OMEICOS elects OMT-28 as lead compound after completion of a comprehensive pre-clinical assessment

2013

Discovery

JUNE 2013

OMEICOS was spun-out of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine to explore the therapeutic potential of stabilized version of epoxyeicosanoids