Our story
We specialize in developing and commercializing innovative equipment designed to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including genetic payloads, into nanoparticles for advanced drug delivery.
Our expertise in nanoparticle-based manufacturing enables our systems to support both process development and GMP production. Collaborating with world-class industrial partners, we work toward shared goals that drive success for all stakeholders.
We are proud of our dedicated team, combining exceptional talent with a passion for achieving common objectives. LEON is supported by a strong network of investors and strategic partners who share our vision.
Our systems are designed to accelerate time-to-market and enhance the value of new therapies.
Our vision
Empower pharma, biotech, and CDMOs to unlock the full potential of nanoparticles manufacturing and drive the next wave of advanced therapies.
Our mission
Delivering innovative nanoencapsulation technology, giving every lab and drug manufacturer the best chance to product success.
Our TEAM
Wolfgang Hofmann, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Wolfgang brings over 25 years of executive experience in Healthcare and Life Sciences to Leon. After starting his career at Harvard Medical School in gene therapy research, he held senior roles at Novartis and the Fresenius Group. He led strategy, M&A, and innovation at Fresenius, founded and invested in biotech firms, and is a board member at Trailhead Biosystems. Wolfgang holds an MD degree from the University of Tübingen, Germany and an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School.
Christian Nafe
Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director
Christian brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the management of successful businesses. Having held board-level positions, including CEO and CFO, at global companies for more than 25 years, Christian is equipped with a wealth of senior experience in business management and finance. With a focus on life science industry, he has successfully led the delivery of several M&As, financing rounds as well as license contracts and supply agreements.
Dr. Blerina Shkodra
Chief Scientific Officer
Blerina has broad expertise in developing polymer and lipid nanoparticle-based drug products. She began in GMP manufacturing and quality assurance, later joining CureVac as a Process Development Scientist for the mRNA-LNP COVID-19 vaccine. At LEON, she leads formulation, process optimization, and scalable manufacturing of nanoparticle therapeutics. She holds a Pharmacy degree from Charles University, an MSc from the University of Greenwich, and a PhD in Drug Delivery from the University of Jena.
Dr. Matthias Schumacher
Chief Technology Officer
Matthias brings deep R&D expertise in bio- and nanomaterials to LEON. After earning his PhD in Materials Science from TU Dresden, he conducted research in tissue regeneration and drug delivery at top institutes, including Yonsei University (Republic of Korea) and MERLN (Netherlands). Since he joined LEON, he has played a key role in advancing our technology platform and developing our product portfolio. With over a decade of experience across academia and industry, he now leads the engineering and product development department at LEON.
Maja Kuhar
Director Marketing
With over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Maja brings a strong blend of scientific expertise and strategic marketing insights to LEON. She began her career at Krka, where she gained hands-on experience in development and manufacturing. Since joining LEON, Maja has contributed across multiple functions, including leading development projects as a Project Manager. She now serves as Marketing Director, where she shapes LEON’s market positioning and communication strategy. Maja holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana.
Martin Josef Erhard
Business Development Director
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from LMU Munich, with a focus on immunology and the role of exosomes in immune response. He began his career at Bavarian Nordic, working in a GMP environment where he led method transfers and integrated new technologies. Since joining LEON, Martin has progressed from Project Manager & Scientist to Senior Scientist, and now plays a key role in Business Development. With a strong scientific foundation and a talent for technical problem-solving, he helps customers optimize their processes using LEON’s innovative technology platform.
Join us
We believe in innovation, collaboration and partnership. The promotion and continuous development of our employees plays a decisive role. In order to meet our high standards, we are constantly looking for highly qualified new colleagues. Contact us if you share our vision.
Our supervisory board
Investor relations
We are backed by a strong group of investors.
Amongst our shareholders are:
TVM Life Science Innovation I.L.P.
TVM Life Science Innovation I.L.P. has been delivering international investment for over 30 years, and provides venture capital to the international pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical technology industries.
Evotec SE
Formalising its Discovery and Development Services in 2002, Evotec SE creates partnerships to further research in multiple health fields, including cancer and infectious diseases. LEON and Evotec’s strategic partnership will maximise the effectiveness of clinical and commercial nano-medicine development.
Eckenstein-Geigy-Stiftung
Eckenstein-Geigy-Stiftung is a Swiss family investment office. Established in 2007 on philanthropic principles, it is focused on building a good future for everybody, including improved medical care for greater quality of life globally.
CD-Venture GmbH
CD-Venture is a German venture capital firm with two decades of experience specialising in investments in the life sciences sector.
Albany Private Equity Holdings Pty Ltd
Part of The Pacific Group of Companies, Albany Private Equity Holdings is an Australian private equity investment firm with a focus on transformational healthcare and investments in medical technology, biotech, and pharmaceuticals.