Economic Award VORSPRUNG 2026 Presented to PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH

On May 5, 2026, the award was presented at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin by Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and the Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany.
The award, presented by the Eastern German Economic Forum (OWF), recognizes companies distinguished by innovation, future-oriented thinking, and sustainable growth. PerioTrap exemplifies a new generation of technology-driven companies and the ongoing economic transformation in Eastern Germany.
The award particularly recognizes the successful combination of scientific innovation and market-oriented implementation. At its core is a patented technology designed to selectively neutralize disease-related mechanisms within the oral microbiome. PerioTrap is opening new pathways in prevention while preserving the natural balance of the oral environment.

Pierre Tangermann, biochemist and CEO of PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH, stated:
“Receiving the OWF Economic Award confirms our commitment to establishing new, scientifically grounded solutions for health. Our approach translates more than ten years of research into practical applications that directly target the root causes of gum disease, rather than merely treating symptoms superficially. Just as fluoride revolutionized dentistry, our microbiome-based approach is setting new standards in gum care. Our goal is to establish our applications across Europe and continue expanding our portfolio.”

Andreas van Bon, Partner at bmp Ventures AG, commented:
“We warmly congratulate the entire PerioTrap team on this well-deserved award. The prize impressively highlights the potential of their science-based innovation to set new standards in the prevention of gum disease.”

Prof. Dr. Stephan Schilling, Head of the Department of Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, congratulated his former colleagues:
“Taking the step from an academic research environment into independent entrepreneurial responsibility is always a risk. However, everyone involved was convinced of the innovation’s potential, making the spin-off of PerioTrap from Fraunhofer IZI the logical next step. Former colleagues have become partners, and I am delighted to congratulate them on this latest success.”

Dr. Robert Franke, Managing Director of the Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt, added:
“The success of PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals is a prime example of transforming scientific excellence into entrepreneurial growth. Companies like PerioTrap make the innovative strength of the life sciences and biotechnology sector in Saxony-Anhalt visible, open up international future markets, and significantly drive the economic transformation of our state. We warmly congratulate PerioTrap on winning the VORSPRUNG Economic Award 2026.”

About the OWF
The VORSPRUNG Award is presented annually in advance of the Eastern German Economic Forum and is considered one of the most important distinctions for entrepreneurial innovation in Eastern Germany. All honored companies are characterized by a strong commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, serving as exemplary models for economic transformation and the future of business in Eastern Germany and throughout Germany.
The nominated companies are selected by a panel consisting of economic development agencies, investment and guarantee banks (development banks), and state representatives of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in the eastern German federal states.

About PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH
PerioTrap is a biotechnology company based in Halle (Saale) that develops microbiome-oriented products for the prevention of gum disease. Its work is based on a patented technology for the targeted neutralization of disease-related mechanisms within the oral microbiome.

About bmp Ventures
bmp Ventures is one of Germany’s most experienced venture capital investors, with a track record of more than 250 investments across nearly all technology sectors, the majority of which were made in early-stage companies.
In addition to direct investments, bmp has managed venture capital funds for the KfW Banking Group and DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft. bmp currently manages the IBG funds in Saxony-Anhalt and employs around 20 people at its offices in Berlin and Magdeburg.

About IMG – Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt
IMG is the economic development agency of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. On behalf of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt, it promotes the state as a business and scientific location and is responsible for tourism marketing both nationally and internationally.
IMG actively supports and assists companies seeking to establish operations in Saxony-Anhalt and helps local businesses with investment projects on behalf of the state government.

About the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI
The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI researches and develops specialized solutions at the intersection of medicine, life sciences, and engineering.
One of its primary tasks is contract research for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology companies, as well as clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and research institutions.

Press Contact

PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Jean-Marie Bryl
Tel.: + 49 30 227 752 88
marketing@periotrap.com

bmp Ventures AG
Josephine Gantze
Marketing & Events
Tel.: +49 391 5328 140
jgantze@bmp.com