Flen Health, headquartered in Luxembourg, offers a diverse product portfolio that is covered in approximately 40 countries worldwide. We spoke to executive director Philippe Sollie to find out more about his success.
Can you share some recent innovations in skin and wound care that Flen Health has developed? What is the process your team follows from concept to market?
At Flen Health, we’ve developed a platform technology for the identification, GMP manufacturing, and registration of therapeutic proteins that transform the lives of patients with wounds and skin diseases. One of our main innovations, Flaminal® combines enzymes within an alginate environment to effectively treat chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds. Our enzyme-technology platform accelerates the development of enzyme-based biopharmaceuticals for these challenging conditions.
Understanding the full complexity of wound and skin healing is crucial. Traditional research often falls short in capturing the dynamic biological processes and interactions of various cell types involved in healing. To address this, we employ a dual approach: machine learning and AI-driven algorithms, and in vitro skin models, which are artificial skin models that replicate the complex environment of wound healing.
“Flen Health is committed to global goals by making healthcare accessible to all, especially those with limited resources […]”
Flen Health’s executive director, Philippe Sollie
How do you ensure that the products you develop truly meet the needs and improve the lives of patients?
At Flen Health, ensuring that our products genuinely meet the needs and improve the lives of patients is at the core of our mission. We achieve this through continuous feedback, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and listening to the personal stories of those who use our products. Our patient-centred development process involves close cooperation with clinicians to constantly evaluate the efficacy and quality-of-life impacts of our products.
By working directly with healthcare professionals, we ensure our solutions address real-world challenges faced by patients. We support charities, such as DEBRA and Cure EB, Radiotherapy UK, and the Swallows, which help individuals with debilitating skin conditions. These collaborations allow us to stay attuned to the needs of both adults and children, ensuring our efforts are always aligned with the best interests of the patients.
How does Flen Health incorporate sustainability and ethical considerations into its product development and business operations?
At Flen Health, we are deeply committed to incorporating sustainability and ethical considerations into every aspect of our product development and business operations. Our mission extends beyond providing innovative health solutions, we aim to make a broader positive impact on society and the environment. Flen Health is committed to global goals by making healthcare accessible to all, especially those with limited resources, through affordable products and efficient care.
We prioritize education, empowering patients, and fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce with a focus on gender equality, maintaining a gender balance at Flen of 64% women and 36% men, and embracing diversity with 12 nationalities represented across 7 countries. Additionally, we are dedicated to reducing inequalities, promoting decent work and economic growth, supporting sustainable communities, and taking action on climate change. Our growth is driven by ethical practices, sustainable operations, and minimizing environmental impact. Through strong global partnerships, we contribute to a fair and open ecosystem that supports medical access and cooperation worldwide.
“Flen Health’s investment in young and ambitious talents plays a crucial role in driving the company’s innovation and achieving its strategic goals.”
Flen Health’s executive director, Philippe Sollie
Can you discuss any strategic partnerships or collaborations that Flen Health is currently engaged in? How do these partnerships enhance your ability to serve patients?
At Flen Health, strategic partnerships and collaborations are central to our mission of effectively serving patients. We engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs) at both national and international levels, ensuring close contact with leading clinicians in wound care to remain responsive to market needs. These collaborations, particularly at the intersection of industry and healthcare professionals, are vital in creating value for patients. Our involvement with the Luxembourg Health Cluster and organizations like the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) further strengthens our ability to innovate and meet healthcare challenges. Flen Health also has partnerships with commercial companies, big and small, across the world, enhancing our global presence.
Are there any recent updates or additions at Flen Health?
We are developing VES 0, leveraging a new patent that enhances Flaminal®. The core mechanism of action involves the modulation of inflammation, which transitions chronic wounds from a persistent inflammatory state to an effective healing state. This innovative approach has been rigorously assessed in preclinical studies and we are heading to phase 0 clinical trial next year.
Flen Health’s investment in young and ambitious talents plays a crucial role in driving the company’s innovation and achieving its strategic goals. By nurturing fresh ideas and developing emerging professionals, Flen Health strategically positions itself to stay ahead in the highly competitive wound care market.
