Perfood enables people to treat and prevent diseases with their diet, supported by digital solutions.

Perfood

Perfood | 2,760 followers on LinkedIn. Prescription digital therapeutics powered by personalized nutrition. |                                             Reimagining medicine

At Perfood, we translate state-of-the-art data and medical science into therapy. We create software, that precisely identifies what actions need to be take on a personalized level, to prevent or fight diseases. Using sensors, lab results and holistic analyses, we derive therapeutic angles and deliver them in a slick, easy-to-use way, making them accessible for all patients.

Practising "Yeoyu / 여유"

Ralph Gusko

Grünenwalds Grillinstitut bringt Menschen am Feuer zusammen.

Kai Grünenwald

Life Sciences & Innovation Expert & Executive @ Industry, Health Insurance & University. Senior Indication Lead Metabolic at Perfood GmbH

Prof. Dr. Freimut Schliess

Executive Director / Investment Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund; Board of Directors at Dopavision, Perfood, Brainomix, Glox

Oliver Reuss

Transforming Diabetes Care: The Power of Collaboration and Digital Innovation This weekend, Berlin will host a seminal event that stands at the convergence of tradition and innovation in diabetes care—the "Meilensteine der modernen Diabetologie 2024" (Milestones in Modern Diabetology). This year, the event not only commemorates World Diabetes Day but also marks a pivotal moment for healthcare professionals, patients, and technology providers in the diabetes community. At Perfood , we are proud to sponsor and participate in this significant event, where our Chief Medical Officer, Torsten Schröder, MD, PhD , will contribute to the vibrant discussions aimed at enhancing diabetes management through digital therapeutics and real-world evidence. Torsten will contribute to the discussion entitled: "Mit Leichtigkeit zum Leichtgewicht? - was dürfen wir von Abnehmmedikation, personalisierter Ernährungsberatung, DIGAs und CGM erwarten?" ("With Ease to Lightweight? - what can we expect from weight loss medication, personalized nutrition counseling, DIGAs, and CGM?"). This discussion will explore the multifaceted approaches to diabetes management - especially the connection between obesity and diabetes. A key pillar for effective diabetes treatment is personalization. In this regard, DiGAs for type 2 diabetes such as our own glucura come into focus as they utilize data from CGMs to provide individualized nutrition guidance. Additionally, the application of artificial intelligence enhances the therapy by offering data-driven guidance in simple and achievable steps, helping individuals make sustainable progress. Underlining the contribution that our DiGA glucura can make in this immense challenge, Torsten says:, "glucura offers a personal compass. Affected individuals can take control of their diabetes themselves. Achievable goals each week are important, as learning in small steps is much more effective." We invite all stakeholders—from medical professionals and researchers to policymakers and patients—to join us in Berlin. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in #diabetes care through open dialogue and collaborative efforts. The event is organized by diabetesDE - Deutsche Diabetes-Hilfe and entry is free. All the details you need are here: https://lnkd.in/ejhVi-PT

A Conversation We feel a sense of honor and responsibility when people are interested in the challenges we are tackling at Perfood . Recently, the former minister of health for the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Dr. Heiner Garg stopped in for an informal visit. Dr. Garg spoke with CEO Dominik Burziwoda and spent time in the guts of our operations, where the CGM sensors and therapy kits are carefully put together and sent out to people facing the challenges of type 2 diabetes and migraines. While a visit may seem to many like just a small occurrence in the humdrum of a startup, it is in fact much more. Innovation cannot be sustained and cannot succeed without open and robust conversations. In fact, it may be as important as the science, technology, and product development that must take place to actually change the course of the diseases that affect millions of people, and our economic prosperity. In the case of Dr. Garg, he knows firsthand that effective healthcare begins with a clear and open understanding. In fact, even before he was a health minister and FDP leader in Schleswig-Holstein, he wrote a paper entitled: 📎 ‘The need for care as an object of economic security policy’ ("Pflegebedürftigkeit als Gegenstand ökonomischer Sicherungspolitik"). This focus on the importance of the big picture in healthcare is critical. As a startup, the path to effectively integrating our innovations and products into the healthcare system is not straightforward — and we don’t expect it to be. Healthcare is about people, and as such requires oversight and the contributions of many stakeholders. This is an attitude we fully embrace. When we look at just the challenges around diabetes and the scale of the response needed, we see how much we can contribute to this immense priority. This mission is what drives us. In the case of Dr. Garg, perhaps another reason he was curious about us as a digital therapeutics and DiGA company is that he was at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic response in Schleswig-Holstein. He knows intimately that there needs to be a strong capacity to innovate and, in some instances, do it as quickly as we can think. As Dominik Burziwoda always points out, in the area of prescription digital therapeutics, Germany has a once-in-a-century opportunity to be the definitive leader in this emerging sector. But in pursuing this lofty goal, we know that the most important part of what we have to do is to have open, collaborative, and productive conversations with all stakeholders. We may not always see the problems and solutions in the same way, but with openness and conversation, we are confident we will always find the path forward. So while this was just a short visit from someone who has seen and contributed to addressing some of the biggest health challenges of our time, we see it as a model of what will make German innovation in healthcare a success story — an open conversation. #germany #healthcare #innovation

The results of an important study supported by Perfood is the focus of an article just published E-HEALTH-COM. This study demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c levels - and body weight - among participants using Perfood’s #DiGA , glucura. What is notable in the article is the focus on the foundations of the effectiveness of our approach in real-world settings. At the heart of glucura is our proprietary artificial intelligence ( #AI ) system, which works seamlessly with continuous glucose monitoring ( #CGM ) technology to analyze glucose data. This AI component is predictive, which means glucura can tailor dietary and lifestyle recommendations that evolve with the user’s needs. By learning from daily glucose fluctuations and correlating them with user input on food intake and physical activity, our AI provides actionable insights that are not only based on historical data but are also predictive of future trends, enhancing the efficacy of diabetes management. As noted by the author of the article: ‘… the AI “learns” about the individual patient’s metabolism and then abstracts longer periods from this. The app provides highly individualized lifestyle recommendations beyond the limited CGM period…’ This leads to the question, ‘can an app such as glucura replace weight loss injections?’ While we see it positively that glucura is being looked at in this way, our CEO Dominik Burziwoda makes an important observation. At end of the day, the most effective solution for type 2 diabetes are people themselves and what is done over a longer period of time. 💬 Says Dominik: “… the real miracle cure is the people affected themselves, because long-term success can only be achieved if they change their lifestyle - with or without weight loss injection.” This is why we have put so much effort into the design of glucura - for it to be, in a sense, like a trusted companion that results in substantial and lasting changes in tackling type 2 diabetes. We look forward to sharing more about glucura with you. You can also find the study published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology entitled: ➡️ Unlocking Potential: Personalized Lifestyle Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Through a Predictive Algorithm-Driven Digital Therapeutic here: https://lnkd.in/eFkTQgJr And thank you to Philipp Grätzel von Grätz, Chefredakteur E-HEALTH-COM for taking an in-depth look at glucura and the study related to its effectiveness. Here is the link to his article: https://lnkd.in/eUWMgSB4 #perfood #diabetes #DiGA

Breakthrough Migraine Management: Insights from ARD's 'Buffet' At Perfood , we put tremendous effort into science, research and product development. The truth is though, the value of all of this is diminished if there isn’t a wider discussion about how people can use these products to live without the burden of chronic diseases. And this is why we value tremendously when shows such as ARD’s 'Buffet' are interested and motivated to share the story of how people can address chronic health challenges with something they do every day – food and nutrition. Recently, in an episode of 'Buffet,' viewers were introduced to a groundbreaking treatment for migraine that could potentially transform millions of lives. Perfood's DiGA, sinCephalea. The segment wove together the personal journey of Isabell Morgenstern, who found substantial relief from her migraines with sinCephalea, and a wider discussion on the connection between glucose regulation and migraines. The episode included expert insights from well-known nutritionist and author, Achim Sam. Sam explained the connection between eating, glucose regulation and migraines. Migraines affect millions globally. Research and studies from Perfood show that one of the keys to alleviating the intense discomfort caused by migraines lie in our daily diet—specifically, how our bodies react to glucose. The segment explores this approach, showcasing how stabilizing glucose levels can significantly reduce migraine occurrences. This episode doesn’t merely recount a success story; it delves deep into the science behind migraines and dietary influences. Viewers get to see a thoughtful discussion on the physiological processes involving glucose fluctuations and their impacts on migraine symptoms, making complex medical concepts accessible and engaging. Discussions such as this one on ARD do a tremendous public service by introducing a wider audience to innovative #DiGA apps, which Germany is leading the way in developing, and which are paving the way for a new era in healthcare. You can watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e3GBh-y7

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference is in full swing in Madrid. The European Association for the Study of Diabetes e.V. (EASD) is an important forum for improving approaches to caring for people with diabetes. It supports groundbreaking diabetes research and promotes the next generation of leading diabetes researchers across Europe. This makes it a key platform for collaboration and innovation in diabetes care and management. The influence of the EASD in setting standards for diabetes therapy is also significant. This headline from 2018 in Practice Nurse stands out to us. "New guideline transforms approach to therapy in T2D: New consensus guidance from the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes offers a dramatic shake-up of the conventional order of glucose lowering drugs, with newer agents given more prominent 'ranking'." Another notable theme at the EASD historically has been the integration of information technology in diabetes care. Of course, research and developing patient-centric and effective solutions to diabetes is also a critical focus for us at Perfood . This year, we are thankful that we are adding to the collective knowledge in cutting edge approaches to treating people with type 2 diabetes. An important research paper supported by Perfood has been published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. It is entitled: "Unlocking Potential: Personalized Lifestyle Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Through a Predictive Algorithm-Driven Digital Therapeutic." In this groundbreaking study, 118 participants with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes utilized Perfood's #DiGA , glucura for three months. The results are promising: ❗ Improved Blood Sugar Control: On average, participants saw a 0.67% reduction in their HbA1c levels, a key marker of long-term blood sugar control. For those with poorly controlled diabetes, the improvement was even more significant — a 1.08% reduction compared to standard care. ❗ Greater Success in Reaching Therapeutic Targets: The percentage of patients achieving an HbA1c level below 7.0% jumped from 38% to 60%. Remarkably, 33% of participants were on their way to diabetes remission, with HbA1c levels dropping below 6.5%. ❗ Sustained Benefits: For participants who continued using glucura for six months, the benefits only grew. They experienced further reductions in HbA1c and an average weight loss of 6.84 kg. If you would like to know more about the details of the results from this study, our CMO Torsten Schröder, MD, PhD is in Madrid. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn or send a note to ts@perfood.de And here is the link to the paper in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology: https://lnkd.in/eFkTQgJr Sending lots of well wishes to all of the participants at the 2024 EASD conference.

A Vision for the Future of Digital Health We at Perfood are thrilled to share that our co-founder and CTO, Dr. med. Christoph Twesten , has now joined the board of the Spitzenverband Digitale Gesundheitsversorgung (SVDGV). In his new role, Christoph is championing an essential balance that resonates deeply with our core mission: enhancing data protection while maximizing the utility of data in prescription digital health therapeutics. Christoph believes passionately that 'finding a good balance between data protection and data usage for digital health solutions, and strengthening trust in new technologies like AI, are fundamental. Because when such products are designed securely, they can deliver significant added value to our care.' Join us in congratulating Christoph as he continues to influence the digital health landscape by focusing on ensuring safe and effective solutions that benefit patients. Congratulations dear Christoph. #Perfood #DigitalHealth #DataProtection #AI #HealthcareInnovation

Doing Whatever It Takes Earlier this year, the publication "Diabetes Ratgeber" had an inspiring editorial on how research is shifting how we understand and manage type 2 diabetes. We were heartened by the focus of the editorial because the scale of the challenge related to diabetes is immense and it is projected to become even more so. However, the benefits of innovative and effective therapies from research go beyond the individual. As a society, as a culture, as a country - we all gain when lives are saved, our children and loved ones are healthy and we reduce the immense financial costs from the repercussions of diabetes. ⛑ At Perfood , we have made significant progress on an innovative DiGA for type 2 diabetes. But like with so many endeavors, we often need help from the wider community that support us in what we do. And today, we are turning to ask for your help. 🆘 We want to involve more people in our study for our DiGA for type 2 diabetes, glucura. 🤵 Members of our team have been working diligently on this and we decided to share this with you and ask directly for your help. 📢 It is as simple as this, if you know someone who may benefit from being part of this study, share this link with them: 🚁 https://lnkd.in/ddgBttqf A study itself can contribute to someone learning more about their diabetes - while also making a big contribution with wider benefits. Thank you. Our mission to reverse the personal and societal costs of diabetes in Germany and beyond continues. #perfood #reverse -diabetes #DiGA

Standing Together, Winning Together Very often, the culture of a company is seen as something separate from the individuals who are part of the big endeavor. The culture is regarded more as a set of desired conditions to be adopted - that you partake of, or are asked to simply embrace. At Perfood , this is not us. Our culture is what we are. And the reason for this is that our founders believe in people as the staring point - inside and out. When you sit down and speak to our CMO Torsten Schröder, MD, PhD and ask him about the early start of his career, he will tell you about the personal challenges he faced. These experiences shaped how he wanted everyone to feel at Perfood , and also how people are tangibly supported with the tools and resources needed to build skills, collaborate and contribute. Even today, when there are big gatherings in Lübeck and space is limited, Torsten makes his desk available so that others have a place to work and chat with other team members. However, you still have to avoid leaving coffee stains on his desk. 😁 When it comes to our CEO Dominik Burziwoda , he strives to be as accessible as possible. If there is something that needs discussion, a quick message and he is more often than not on the phone with you to talk and provide his input and encouragement. And he consistently brings the meaning of work down to people. Earlier this year, he wrote a note that struck a note with many people. His main point? When you think about the work you are doing - focus on who you are doing the work for. This engenders meaning and care. And then there is our CTO Dr. med. Christoph Twesten . Christoph’s favorite word is empathy. Regardless of the situation, the first thing is to get the problem fixed. As long as we stick together we will get the job done. If we had to put the essence of Perfood’s culture into the title of a book, it would be: “Keep Ambitions High”. This means personally and for the company. The reason for this is our founders' belief that personal spirit and motivation are the keys to achieving outcomes that are meaningful for all of our stakeholders and supporters. While we are not at the point where we can give everyone in the company a subscription to "Harvard Business Review," we try to embody some of the best principles and values of a high performing culture. And that often comes down to this: “To do your best work - your most impactful work - you need to build a sustainable work-life balance that prioritizes you, your health and your happiness.” Our founders all believe this. And they have woven it into the fabric of the company. We are extremely happy to have been recognized as a place that puts the needs of people - especially young people - at the center of what we stand for as a company. We will continue to keep our ambitions high and strive to improve the lives for the people who are burdened by chronic disease. #perfood #people #culture

The Wisdom to Know What to Focus On As a startup, it must be a priority to understand what is most relevant to stakeholders - patients, doctors, healthcare professionals, employees, investors and regulators. In every sense of the word - a team. As much as the innovation part is the spark towards the transformation, your innovation must make sense to those who are working tirelessly to improve (and save) the lives of people. Doing this requires a fundamental wisdom to always know what to focus on. And that is why we are heartened when talented and motivated individuals such as Dr. Torsten Neumann join Perfood . Recently in #Berlin , Dr. Neumann was interviewed about what it will take to tackle the immense challenges of type 2 diabetes, and about the role technology can play. Dr. Neumann brings a depth and breadth of experience in this area - but he clearly brought the focus to one point. He emphasized a shift from simply selling products to offering practical solutions that cater to the individual needs of both patients, doctors and healthcare professionals. He believes that personalized technology plays a crucial role in achieving this. Dr. Neumann highlights the advancements made in #diabetes care, particularly continuous glucose monitoring ( #CGM ), but acknowledges that these benefits haven't reached all diabetic patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Neumann concludes by stressing the need to educate doctors about digital health applications so they can confidently prescribe them and provide their patients with more personalized therapies - as well as comprehensive guidance and support. There is much work to be done to achieve the outcomes we all desire - we are happy there are people with the wisdom, experience and vision like Dr. Neumann with us at Perfood. #perfood #DiGA #diabetes

Focused on Contributing In an article recently in Handelsblatt’s “Inside Digital Health”, Aidhere founder Henrik Emmert made an important remark. Noted Emmert: ‘It is difficult to raise awareness of DiGA among doctors.’ The numbers back him up. But beyond the numbers are the real questions and concerns of doctors. In the “BARMER Arztreport 2024 (Publication series on health analysis - Volume 45, Digital health applications - DiGA), the perception and actions of doctors were explored. These are some barebones observations from the BARMER report: ❕ There are gaps in knowledge and possible hesitance in prescribing DiGAs. ❕ From the perspective of doctors - they have to consider the impact on their practice and patient care. ❕ In terms of becoming engaged with the discussions around DiGAs, doctors noted a preference for peer and publication-based information. At Perfood , we understand and empathize with the challenges of doctors. This often comes down to time, validated - and trusted - information, and evidence on the effectiveness of #DiGAs . It is because of these important factors that we put a high priority on positively engaging with doctors and healthcare professionals. Along with the SVDGV, we facilitate numerous Continuous Medical Education (CME) seminars. We believe doctors speaking directly to doctors allows us to both contribute and learn. When we take the concerns of all stakeholders seriously and do our best to find workable solutions, we will improve patient care. We believe DiGAs can and will be an important part of improving the lives of millions of people in Germany. Just as importantly, we also believe in fighting to realize this goal with our actions. If you are interested in the article in Handelsblatt, you can find that here: https://lnkd.in/e64fnJnU #perfood #diga #Ärzte

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