Leadership
Innovators in the Lab: The Minds Shaping Our Scientific Future
Prof. Dr. Hugo Luján
Scientific Director
Board Member
Dr. Arnold Spitta
Founder – CEO
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Springer
Scientific Board Member
Rainer Block
Co-founder – Investor
Prof. Dr. Med. Tim Sparwasser
Scientific Board Member
Prof. Dr. Klaudia Brix
Scientific Board Member
Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology and immunology research to develop innovative, orally administered vaccines that induce broad and lasting immunity against protozoan parasite infections.
Revolutionizing parasitic disease control & transforming health through innovative vaccines
Shareholders and Scientific Advisory Board of VacciMed-Oral GmbH:
Prof. Dr. Hugo Luján
Scientific Director
Board Member
Prof. Dr. Hugo Luján, distinguished Scientific Director of the company, dedicated several decades to groundbreaking research as a senior researcher at CONICET, based at the Catholic University of Córdoba, Argentina. A remarkable career focused on unraveling parasite adaptation and differentiation molecular mechanisms, with Giardia lamblia serving as a model system. Throughout his tenure, Prof. Luján contributed significantly to understanding crucial processes such as encystation and antigenic variation within parasites. These contributions expanded our scientific knowledge and paved the way for the development of diagnostic tools and a groundbreaking platform for producing highly effective oral vaccines.
As an International Research Fellow at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 2000 to 2010, Prof. Luján further enriched his expertise, collaborating on a global scale and contributing to cutting-edge research in the field. The impact of Prof. Luján’s work extends beyond the laboratory, with several patents and numerous publications in prestigious scientific journals, including the esteemed Nature. His innovative scientific results have advanced the academic understanding of parasitology and translated into practical applications with significant societal implications.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Prof. Luján has received awards in Argentina, notably the prestigious Innovar 2019 Grand Prize and the first-place award in the Researchers Category. Prof. Luján was also awarded the Humboldt-Price of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation (Germany) in 2017 and the TWAS award in 2022. These accolades underscore the transformative nature of his work and its potential to address critical challenges in healthcare and vaccine development.
Dr. Sebastian Springer
Scientific Board Member
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Springer, an esteemed member of the Scientific Board at VacciMed-Oral GmbH, has been an integral part of the company’s leadership. Since 2001, he has held the position of professor of biochemistry at Constructor University Bremen, bringing a wealth of expertise to academia and the company’s strategic development. Dr. Springer’s commitment to advancing the field of biochemistry has been evident throughout his academic career. His role within VacciMed-Oral GmbH reflects a dedication to the intersection of scientific research and practical applications, particularly in oral vaccines.
As a prominent figure in biochemistry, Dr. Springer’s contributions to the Scientific Board underscore the company’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. His presence enhances the multidisciplinary approach VacciMed-Oral GmbH took, combining expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry to drive advancements in vaccine development. The collaboration between Dr Sebastian Springer and VacciMed-Oral GmbH highlights a shared commitment to addressing global health challenges through cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and the development of groundbreaking oral vaccines.
Prof. Dr. Klaudia Brix
Scientific Board Member
Prof. Dr.Klaudia Brix, a distinguished professional in Cell Biology, holds the esteemed professor position at Constructor University Bremen. Her invaluable expertise contributes significantly to the scientific advancements and strategic direction of VacciMed-Oral GmbH, where she serves as a respected member of the Scientific Board. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Brix has demonstrated a deep commitment to unraveling the intricacies of cell biology. Her role within VacciMed-Oral GmbH reflects her academic prowess and her dedication to translating scientific knowledge into tangible solutions, particularly in the realm of oral vaccines.
As a key member of the Scientific Board, Dr Klaudia Brix enhances the company’s multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in cell biology, immunology, and related fields. Her collaborative efforts contribute to developing innovative vaccine solutions that address global health challenges. The partnership between Dr. Brix and VacciMed-Oral GmbH signifies a shared commitment to advancing scientific research, fostering technological innovation, and ultimately positively impacting public health through the development of cutting-edge oral vaccines.
Prof. Dr. Med. Tim Sparwasser
Scientific Board Member
Prof. Dr. Tim Sparwasser, an esteemed medical microbiology and hygiene figure, currently serves as the Director of the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His wealth of experience and expertise makes him an invaluable member of the Scientific Board at VacciMed-Oral GmbH. With a distinguished career in medical research, Prof. Sparwasser brings a wealth of knowledge in immunology and microbiology to the forefront of VacciMed-Oral’s strategic endeavors. His role on the Scientific Board underscores the company’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation in developing oral vaccines.
As a renowned medical professional and academic, Prof. Dr. Sparwasser’s contributions extend beyond his role at the university, with numerous publications and research findings in reputable scientific journals. His involvement with VacciMed-Oral GmbH signifies a collaborative effort to advance the field of immunization and address global health challenges through cutting-edge vaccine solutions—the partnership with Prof. Dr. Med. Tim Sparwasser enhances VacciMed-Oral’s capabilities to develop effective and groundbreaking oral vaccines. He plays a crucial role with the Scientific Board in shaping the company’s research direction and contributing to its mission of improving global health through innovative vaccination approaches.
Dr. Arnold Spitta
Co-founder – CEO
Dr. Arnold Spitta brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the forefront of the company’s operations. With a strong international scientific cooperation and academic exchange background, Dr. Spitta is a driving force in steering VacciMed-Oral toward its mission of developing innovative oral vaccines. Dr. Spitta’s expertise lies in strategic management, research and development, and executing groundbreaking healthcare solutions. His leadership style emphasizes a collaborative and forward-thinking approach, fostering an environment conducive to scientific innovation and business success.
Under Dr. Arnold Spitta’s guidance, VacciMed-Oral continues to make significant strides in developing oral vaccines, addressing critical challenges in global health security. His commitment to advancing accessible and effective immunization solutions aligns with the company’s vision of positively impacting public health. As Managing Director, Dr. Spitta plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategy, fostering partnerships, and successfully translating scientific advancements into tangible healthcare solutions. His dedication to excellence and passion for driving favorable change position VacciMed-Oral as a critical player in oral vaccine development under his leadership.
Rainer Block
Co-founder – Investor
Rainer Block is a seasoned financial and real estate advisor based in Bonn, Germany, and serves as a valued shareholder at VacciMed-Oral GmbH. Bringing a wealth of expertise in financial matters and strategic investment, Mr. Block plays a crucial role in contributing to the company’s financial stability and success. With a distinguished career in the financial industry, Mr. Block’s insights and guidance are instrumental in shaping VacciMed-Oral’s financial strategies and ensuring sound fiscal management. His role as a shareholder underscores the importance of a well-rounded team with diverse skills to drive the company’s growth and achieve its objectives. In addition to his financial acumen, Mr. Block’s involvement reflects a commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions, particularly in the development of oral vaccines. VacciMed-Oral’s mission aligns with global health priorities, and Mr. Block’s contribution as a shareholder strengthens the company’s position in advancing novel approaches to vaccination.
VacciMed-Oral GmbH stands at the forefront of innovation in oral vaccines for protozoan parasite infections. Our commitment to addressing the global challenges these diseases pose, both in human and veterinary medicine, is unwavering. Through a pioneering approach that induces antigenic variation within protozoan parasites, we offer a new paradigm in vaccine development, ensuring broader and lasting immunity.
Our versatility, encompassing a broad range of target parasites, sets us apart in the industry. The convenience of oral administration, coupled with our dedication to accessibility and affordability, makes our vaccines a powerful tool, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Collaboration, scientific expertise, and rigorous clinical validation are the cornerstones of our success, reinforcing our commitment to public health impact and global health security. We extend our reach to the veterinary sector, supporting livestock production and animal health.
As we strive for global adoption and market penetration, our focus on sustainability, eco-friendliness, and the integration of digital technologies demonstrates our dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
At VacciMed-Oral GmbH, we are not just competing; we are pioneering change, profoundly impacting global health outcomes. Our journey is one of dedication, innovation, and transformation, leaving an enduring legacy of improved health and well-being for generations to come. Together, we usher in a healthier and more resilient world.