By Tomas Edvinsson, Co-Owner & Managing Director, Gelpell AG
Switzerland’s healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving—and at Gelpell AG, we see this as a rare and powerful opportunity. As a privately owned CDMO, we’re not just responding to change; we’re helping shape it. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to elevate the standard of nutraceutical production, enabling safer, more effective, and customer-focused solutions that integrate seamlessly into the healthcare systems of tomorrow.
From Finance to Pharma: A Purposeful Shift
My professional background began in finance and international business consulting, but purpose led me into healthcare. When Kristina and I took over Gelpell AG, I saw an opportunity to build something that combined Swiss manufacturing excellence with a forward-looking, entrepreneurial mindset.
What drew me in wasn’t just the science—it was the impact. I wanted to create a business where growth meant better lives, longer healthspans, and more empowered patients. In a sector filled with complexity and regulation, Gelpell stood out as an agile, values-driven player with untapped potential.
Vision Rooted in Swiss Integrity and Global Relevance
Gelpell’s vision is anchored in precision, trust, and adaptability. Switzerland is known for its healthcare standards—and we see our role as reinforcing those values through modern, efficient, and scalable production. At the same time, we’re deeply focused on future demands: personalization, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
As the lines between pharma, nutrition, and digital health blur, Gelpell is positioning itself as a critical enabler—turning advanced formulations into high-quality, ready-for-market products with global relevance.
Our Technologies, Our Edge
One of Gelpell’s standout assets is our proprietary Gelpell® bead technology, a delivery system that improves bioavailability and stability without compromising on natural ingredients. In a world that’s increasingly focused on clean label and clinically supported supplements, this gives us a significant edge.
We’re also investing in automation, and enhanced traceability—ensuring we’re not only compliant but forward-compatible with where healthcare is going: personalized, data-driven, and outcome-based.
Leading Through Innovation and Accountability
Innovation doesn’t happen by chance—it’s a result of culture. At Gelpell, I work closely with our leadership team to create a culture of ownership, where people feel safe to experiment, but also responsible for delivering quality at every step. That duality—creativity and discipline—is what drives sustainable innovation.
Agility is a core principle for us. As a midsized CDMO, we can adapt rapidly to regulatory changes, customer needs, or market trends without layers of bureaucracy. That’s a strategic advantage we actively protect.
The Trends That Will Define the Future
By 2025, I believe three key trends will reshape healthcare:
- Precision Nutrition – Data-driven supplementation, aligned with biomarkers and genetics.
- Preventive Healthcare Models – Moving from treatment to prevention will drive demand for clinically validated nutraceuticals.
- Decentralized Care – With more diagnostics and therapeutics happening at home, the supplement industry must match pharma standards for safety and efficacy.
These trends represent both challenges and massive opportunities. Gelpell is already aligning its roadmap with these developments—particularly through collaborations in the longevity and women’s health segments.
From Challenge to Catalyst
One of the most difficult challenges we faced was navigating the sudden surge in demand during COVID, while global supply chains collapsed. Raw materials, packaging components, even capsules became scarce. What saved us was a commitment to transparency and a deep trust within our team and partners.
Instead of scaling back, we used that period to overhaul our planning systems, diversify suppliers, and invest in inventory resilience. Today, we’re stronger and more agile because of it.
Advice to Emerging Entrepreneurs
If you’re building a healthcare company, remember: it’s not about the loudest pitch—it’s about building credibility and consistency over time. Respect science. Respect regulation. But never lose the entrepreneurial hunger to do better.
Also, surround yourself with people who challenge you—not just agree with you. That’s where the best breakthroughs happen.
Looking Ahead: Ambition with Responsibility
In the next five years, I envision Gelpell not just growing in size, but in influence—particularly as a trusted Swiss partner for companies looking to enter or scale in Europe. We want to set new benchmarks for transparency, quality, and strategic support for our customers.
For the Swiss healthcare ecosystem, I hope to see more cross-sector collaboration and greater recognition of the role nutraceuticals can play in preventive medicine. It’s time we view supplementation not as ‘wellness add-ons,’ but as part of an integrated care continuum.
At Gelpell, we’re ready to lead that conversation.
