What biosyn Arzneimittel does

biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH is a privately held German pharmaceutical and biotech company founded in 1984 and headquartered in Fellbach, Baden-Württemberg. The company specializes in trace-element medicine, with a particular focus on selenium-based pharmaceuticals under its core brand selenase®. Its product portfolio spans prescription drugs (injectable, oral, and tablet formulations of sodium selenite pentahydrate for demonstrated selenium deficiency), over-the-counter dietary supplements (selenase 100 XL, 200 XXL, THYMVITAL, CAREIMMUN Basic/Onco, KIMUN, myfemella, myflora comfort), a small set of adjacent Rx products (ZINKOTASE zinc, FOLSÄURE biosyn folic acid, MEPTID opioid analgesic, Sugammadex biosyn muscle relaxant reversal), a B2B business supplying biological and chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients, and a service laboratory for trace-element and heavy-metal analysis. The company self-identifies as the global market leader in high-dose selenium injections used in intensive care medicine (sepsis, cardiac surgery, burns).

The company's core technology is a proprietary, patented manufacturing process for producing high-dose sodium selenite pentahydrate in injectable liquid form, supported by two globally unique GMP active-ingredient manufacturing facilities in Fellbach. Sodium selenite pentahydrate is the only form of selenium approved as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Germany (BfArM), and the company emphasizes its differentiated pharmacokinetic profile versus organic selenium forms. biosyn also operates a niche biotech business around a glycoprotein isolated from the California sea snail Megathura crenulata.

biosyn's business model is a hybrid of prescription pharmaceutical sales, OTC dietary supplement retail through pharmacy channels, B2B active-ingredient supply, and a service-laboratory revenue line. The company reaches healthcare professionals (general practitioners, pharmacists, gynecologists, midwives, oncologists, urologists) through a dedicated Fachkreise portal and DocCheck-gated webinars and continuing education, and reaches consumers through German online pharmacy platforms (APONEO, DocMorris, Shop Apotheke, medpex, and others) plus social media channels. Approximately 70% of revenue is generated outside Germany across 27 countries, with distribution handled by a Florida-based US subsidiary (biosyn health Inc., est. 2021) for the American market and partner-distributor relationships internationally. The company is privately held by its co-founders/managing directors and is a self-described German "hidden champion" with no disclosed external venture capital or institutional funding.

Name

biosyn Arzneimittel

Legal name

biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH

Website

https://biosyn.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH is a privately held German specialty pharmaceutical and biotech company that develops, manufactures, and distributes selenium-based prescription drugs (selenase®), OTC dietary supplements, and B2B active pharmaceutical ingredients from Fellbach, Germany, serving healthcare professionals, pharmacy consumers, and pharma partners across 27 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceuticals (Selenium and Trace Element Medicines)

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)

akta.pro primary industry

Impurity / Reference Standard Synthesis & Characterization (HLAGAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biologic API/Drug Substance Manufacturing Services (HLAAAKAA), Material Characterization & Spectroscopy (NMR/FTIR/MS) (HLAGADAK)

Keywords

• Selenium pharmaceuticals
• Trace element medicines
• Injectable selenium solutions
• Dietary supplements selenium
• Active pharmaceutical ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Fellbach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Prescription Pharmaceuticals (Arzneimittel): biosyn generates revenue from the sale of prescription trace element pharmaceuticals, including its flagship selenase product line (injection solutions, oral solutions, and tablets) as well as other products such as FOLSÄURE biosyn, MEPTID, Sugammadex biosyn, and ZINKOTASE. These are dispensed through pharmacies and require a prescription (Rx) where applicable. 70% of revenue is generated outside Germany across 27 countries.
2. Dietary Supplements (Nahrungsergänzungsmittel): biosyn markets over-the-counter dietary supplements including selenase 100 XL, selenase 200 XXL, selenase 50 AP, selenase 50 peroral, and others, sold through pharmacies and online pharmacy channels. These products are available without prescription and serve consumers seeking to address selenium deficiency or support immune, thyroid, and antioxidant functions.
3. B2B / Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: biosyn manufactures and supplies biological and chemical active ingredients (Wirkstoffe) to other pharmaceutical companies under B2B arrangements. This includes the supply of sodium selenite pentahydrat for use by other manufacturers.
4. Service Laboratory (Servicelabor): biosyn operates a service laboratory offering trace element and heavy metal analysis (in whole blood, serum, urine, or saliva) using atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry. Healthcare providers and individuals can order test kits via the website and submit samples for analysis, generating service fee revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH is a German pharmaceutical and biotech company that develops, manufactures, and distributes selenium-based prescription medicines (selenase® injection solutions, oral solutions, and tablets) using sodium selenite pentahydrate as the active ingredient, alongside over-the-counter dietary supplements (selenase® 100 XL, 200 XXL) and complementary products (ZINKOTASE®, FOLSÄURE biosyn, MEPTID®, Sugammadex biosyn). The company also supplies biological and chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients to other pharmaceutical companies on a B2B basis and operates a service laboratory for trace element and heavy metal analysis.

Product overview

biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH is a German pharmaceutical and biotech company headquartered in Fellbach, specializing in trace elements — particularly selenium-based medicines and nutritional supplements. The core product brand is selenase®, encompassing prescription drugs (injectable solutions, oral solutions, and tablets in various dosages) and over-the-counter dietary supplements (100 XL and 200 XXL). The prescription selenase® line treats demonstrated selenium deficiency using sodium selenite pentahydrat. Beyond selenase®, the portfolio includes ZINKOTASE® (zinc), FOLSÄURE biosyn (folic acid), MEPTID® (opioid analgesic), and Sugammadex biosyn (muscle relaxant reversal), plus a range of dietary supplements (CAREIMMUN Basic/Onco, KIMUN, myfemella, myflora comfort, THYMVITAL®). The company also operates a B2B segment supplying biological and chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients, and provides a diagnostic service laboratory for selenium and heavy metal testing in biological samples. 70% of revenue is generated outside Germany in 27 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• selenase® 50 Mikrogramm Injektionslösung (Injectione) Prescription injectable solution delivering 50 μg selenium per 1 ml ampoule, used for the treatment of demonstrated selenium deficiency that cannot be corrected by nutrition (e.g., in cases of maldigestion, malabsorption, malnutrition, or total parenteral nutrition). Available in pack sizes of 10x1 ml (N2) and 50x1 ml.
• selenase® 100 µg pro injectione Prescription injectable solution containing 100 μg selenium per 2 ml ampoule for the treatment of demonstrated selenium deficiency that cannot be corrected by nutrition. Available in 10x2 ml (N2) and 50x2 ml pack sizes.
• selenase® T pro injectione High-dose prescription injectable solution in 10 ml vials for the treatment of selenium deficiency. Available in 500 μg (10 ml) and 1,000 μg (20 ml) selenium presentations, used in intensive care medicine.
• selenase® 300 Mikrogramm Tabletten Prescription tablets for the treatment of demonstrated selenium deficiency, available in pack sizes of 20, 50, and 100 tablets with 300 μg selenium per tablet.
• selenase® 100 µg peroral (Trinkampullen) Prescription oral solution in drinking ampoules containing 100 μg selenium per 2 ml, used for the treatment of demonstrated selenium deficiency.
• selenase® T peroral (Trinkflaschen) Prescription oral solution in drinking bottles containing 500 μg selenium per 10 ml, used for the treatment of selenium deficiency.
• selenase® RP Tabletten Prescription tablets containing 79 μg selenium per tablet for the treatment of demonstrated selenium deficiency.
• selenase® 50 peroral Prescription oral solution containing 50 μg selenium per 1 ml in drinking ampoules (N2: 50 x 1 ml), for demonstrated selenium deficiency not correctable by nutrition. Pharmacy-only (apothekenpflichtig).
• selenase® 50 AP (Tabletten) Prescription tablets containing 50 μg selenium per tablet, available in pack sizes of 20 (N1), 50 (N2), and 100 (N3) tablets, for demonstrated selenium deficiency not correctable by diet.
• selenase® 100 XL (Nahrungsergänzungsmittel) Over-the-counter dietary supplement containing 100 μg selenium per tablet, supporting normal thyroid function, immune system function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, and maintenance of normal hair and nails. PZN 17530015.
• selenase® 200 XXL (Nahrungsergänzungsmittel) Over-the-counter dietary supplement containing 200 μg selenium per tablet, supporting normal thyroid function, immune system, and protection of cells from oxidative stress. Contains pharmaceutical-grade sodium selenite. PZN 17530021.
• ZINKOTASE® Prescription medicine for zinc deficiency states that cannot be corrected by nutrition, including conditions requiring penicillamine therapy. Contains zinc bis(hydrogen-DL-aspartate) at 25 mg zinc per film-coated tablet. Pack of 50 film-coated tablets (N2).
• FOLSÄURE biosyn Folic acid pharmaceutical product for the prevention and treatment of folate deficiency, including applications in pregnancy and megaloblastic anemia.
• MEPTID® WHO Step II opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain. Previously required refrigeration storage but can now be stored at room temperature, simplifying logistics and handling.
• Sugammadex biosyn Muscle relaxant reversal agent for anesthesia, used to reverse neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium or vecuronium.
• CAREIMMUN Basic® Dietary supplement supporting skin, hair, and nail health by providing a combination of micronutrients including selenium, designed to compensate for increased nutrient needs.
• CAREIMMUN Onco® Dietary supplement designed for oncology patients, providing targeted micronutrient support.
• KIMUN® Dietary supplement product in the biosyn nutritional supplements portfolio.
• myfemella Dietary supplement product for female health support.
• myflora comfort Vegan-friendly dietary supplement supporting gut flora and digestive comfort.
• THYMVITAL® Dietary supplement designed to support thyroid function, combining selenium with thymus extract.
• biosyn Servicelabor (Selen-Test) A complete offering for the determination of trace elements and heavy metals in whole blood, serum, urine, or saliva using atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry. Includes a home test kit for selenium status determination, with results provided after analysis in the biosyn laboratory.
• Biological Active Substances (Biologische Wirkstoffe) Biological active pharmaceutical ingredients supplied to business partners, including a glycoprotein isolated from Megathura crenulata (a California sea snail). Manufactured in biosyn's GMP-certified facilities.
• Chemical Active Substances (Chemische Wirkstoffe) Chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients supplied to business partners, including sodium selenite pentahydrate, manufactured in biosyn's GMP-certified facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• People with medium selenium intake (~100 μg/day) showed a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with lower intake (large US study with ~39,000 participants, Liang et al. 2025, Sci Rep.)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• XO LifecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH and XO Life, a leading Digital-Health scale-up, entered into a strategic partnership in June 2025 to provide digital therapy accompaniment for biosyn patients. Under this partnership, biosyn treatment areas are integrated into the brite™ platform, accessible via web browser or iOS/Android app. The brite platform offers patients a free digital therapy companion for selenase® products, providing dosage reminders, documentation tools, and educational background on selenium therapy, thereby enhancing patient engagement and adherence.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• NOW Foods: Large US-based manufacturer of dietary supplements including selenium formulations. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the OTC selenium and micronutrient supplement category in which biosyn's selenase 100 XL / 200 XXL compete.
• Stada Arzneimittel: Large PE-owned German specialty/generics and OTC pharmaceutical company with a substantial German pharmacy-channel footprint. Broad incumbent comparator rather than direct niche peer - comparable go-to-market and manufacturing scale, but operates across many therapy areas beyond trace elements.
• Merck KGaA Healthcare: German science and technology company whose Healthcare division includes trace elements, minerals and micronutrient products. Broad incumbent comparator with much larger scale and broader portfolio; overlapping product categories in some markets.
• Bayer AG: Germany's largest pharmaceutical and consumer health company with significant OTC/supplement offerings in pharmacies globally. Broad incumbent comparator relevant for channel overlap and competitive benchmarking rather than a direct therapy-area competitor.

Direct peers

• Vifor Pharma (CSL Vifor): Swiss specialty pharma (now part of CSL) specializing in iron-deficiency and broader micronutrient prescription therapies. Directly comparable to biosyn as a focused trace-element/micronutrient Rx franchise with hospital and channel partner distribution in Europe and globally.
• Hevert Arzneimittel: German privately held pharma with trace-element and micronutrient product lines serving pharmacy and practitioner channels in Germany and select export markets. Comparable mid-sized German specialty pharma with overlapping therapeutic categories and a similar pharmacy-led GTM.
• Trommsdorff: Independent German specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer with a portfolio spanning prescription and OTC products distributed through German pharmacies. Comparable as a German mid-sized specialty pharma with overlapping channel exposure and breadth of small-molecule Rx SKUs.
• Verla-Pharm: Bavarian-based German pharma focused on mineral and micronutrient therapies distributed via pharmacy channels. Directly comparable as a German trace-element/micronutrient specialist targeting similar prescribers and end-use indications.
• Pharma Nord: Danish specialty pharma company focused on selenium, ubiquinone (CoQ10) and other micronutrient supplements. Closely comparable to biosyn in target use case (selenium supplementation, cardiovascular and immune health) and distribution through pharmacy channels.

Regional players

• Galenica AG: Swiss pharmaceutical and pharmacy retail holding with relevant pharmacy-channel exposure and a specialty pharma arm. Comparable as a regional peer in the German-speaking market with overlapping channel economics for OTC and Rx distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@biosyn
• Facebookfacebook.com/biosynarzneimittel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/biosyn-arzneimittel-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/biosyn_we.care

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about biosyn Arzneimittel