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Alumend

Alumend focuses on building a product portfolio focused on photochemically activated naphthalimide chemistry in tissue healing and repair. Alumend aims to develop creative solutions for existing underserved markets, by inventing new chemical compounds. Our commitment is to advance these pharmaceutical compounds through research and development of promising new platforms, emphasizing the company's patented core technology.

We have an effective multidisciplinary team of physiologists and chemists, who have expertise in the various fields necessary - and required - to advance an idea from concept to product. This diverse team, with the support of Avera and other world-class collaborations, is positioned to successfully translate novel technologies into a portfolio of clinical products.

Technology

Photochemically activated naphthalimide chemistry is a breakthrough in natural tissue repair, providing a safe, effective alternative to more invasive techniques for foreign-body implants. This technology is designed to safely strengthen and bond tissues at a molecular level, making them an excellent choice for a range of medical applications.

Our light-activated naphthalimide platform has been licensed to Alucent as a Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) treatment, a disease for which few truly effective treatment options exist.

PAD Applications

The light-activated naphthalimides diffuse into tissue, crosslinking proteins to form a strong internal "scaffold" which helps to hold a narrowed artery open. Unlike stents or polymers, our elegantly designed chemical compounds bind naturally with body tissues at the molecular level, creating a truly "natural" environment.

Mission Statement

Alumend's mission is to set the standard of care with new clinical therapies based on the research and development of novel chemistries.

Meet Our Team

Ron Utecht, BS, PhD

Ron Utecht, BS, PhD

Ron Utecht, BS, PhD, Alumend's Chief Scientific Officer, is a bioorganic chemist with expertise in molecular design, characterization and synthesis. Dr. Utecht is one of the original developers of Alumend's light-activated naphthalimide technology. Dr. Utecht is currently focused on the refinement of the vascular application, as well as the development of new applications

Ryan Hansen, MBA

Ryan Hansen, MBA

Alumend President Ryan Hansen, MBA, has degrees in Accounting and Hospital Administration as well as a master's degree in Business Administration. In his role with Alumend, Hansen seeks out business partnerships. Hansen has responsibilities for developing clinical drug research and cancer research, as the executive director of the Avera Research Institute, and genetics research, as the administrative director of the Avera Institute for Human Genetics.

Ann Spaans

Ann Spaans

As operations director for Alumend, Ann Spaans provides information and direction to lead, manage and support our quality system, project management and business goals. Prior to joining Alumend, Spaans worked for Grand Laboratories, Novartis and Fort Dodge Animal Health doing research and development work, later moving to a quality assurance role conducting internal and external auditing. She has 34 years of experience in the drug development industry.

Moving Health Forward

Avera is a health ministry rooted in the Gospel. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives and health of persons and communities by providing quality services guided by Christian values.

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