History

Heppe Medical Chitosan has stood for innovation and quality in chitosan technology since 2005. Founded by Katja Richter (née Heppe), we now have a GMP-compliant manufacturing facility and a comprehensive ISO 13485 certification for worldwide demand. We expand our knowledge daily by participating in national and international research projects.
Today, we are driving the pharmaceutical, medical technology and biotechnology sectors forward with sustainable and customer-oriented chitosans and a deep understanding of quality. Chitosan is our passion!

2020 – 2024: New Standards and Future Technologies

• Launching the world's first chitosan standards for determining molecular weight.
• Uninterrupted ISO 13485 recertification by TÜV Rheinland.
• Double spacing of research capability and start of new projects on mRNA delivery and bioink.
• Innovation in creation of a new chitosan derivative for a client.

2016 – 2019: Innovation and Regulatory Advances

• Regular audits and recertifications according to ISO 13485
• Doubling of the production capacity
• First DMF (Drug Master File) for Chitosan HCl at US FDA
• Increase the product range with chitosan hydrochlorides and chitosan glutamates
• Sponsorship of and participation at international EUCHIS conferences
• Enhancing Regulatory Affairs competencies.

2013 – 2015: International Expansion and Research

• Successful recertifications and regular audits
• Co-organization of the ICCC/EUCHIS Conference 2015 in Münster
• Participation in the EU research project Nano3Bio
• Receiving the 500th customer

2008 – 2012: Expansion and Quality Standards

• Implementation of new sales strategies
• Acquisition of an important customer for contract manufacturing
• Installation of GMP-compliant clean rooms
• ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications
• Since 2009 Katja Richter is board member of the European Chitin and Chitosan society
• Attendance at international chitin and chitosan events/ symposiums like EUCHIS, APCCS, ICCC and divers research projects

2006 – 2007: Expansion and Recognition

• Reorganization to Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
• Innovation award and entrepreneurial awards, like the IQ Innovation Award and Start-up of the Year

2005: Setting Up and Initial Success

• Katja Heppe founded Heppe Medical Chitosan
• Initial customer project for the setup of a chitosan derivative with GMP transfer
• Upgrade of quality in chitosan using innovative technologies

1998 – 2002: The Early Research and Development

• R&D on chitosan in cosmetic and medical application, including biological barriers such as the blood-brain and intestinal-blood barriers
• Development of a technology to improve the quality of chitosan