Founded in 2022 by a team of scientists from Stellenbosch University (SU), Phyenti is a South African phytopharmaceutical and natural medicines company that combines traditional knowledge passed down through generations with modern scientific research and rigorous testing.
Prof. Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, CEO and Co-founder of Phyenti, established the company in March 2022, with a group of other female researchers at SU. Prior to commercialising the company, Prof. Anna-Mart had conducted longstanding research with Prof. Nox Makunga from the SU Department of Botany and Zoology. Together they coordinated extensive studies testing the efficacy of plant extracts on cancer cells and animal models of cancer which yielded promising results. Their breakthrough came when they discovered positive results from a plant extract that demonstrated remarkable cytotoxic potential against cancer cells.
Later, they expanded their research collaboration to include Dr. Catherine Kaschula, as well as Professors Willem van Otterlo and Andre de Villiers whose expertise in isolating active compounds from natural extracts has been invaluable in Phyenti’s research endeavours. Notably, the research investigations had identified a plant extract that not only surpassed currently used chemotherapeutic agents in its efficacy for killing cancer cells but also showed reduced side effects, offering a more tolerable treatment option for patients suffering from cancer. Recognizing the significance of their findings, Prof. Anna – Mart moved forward with Innovus to patent the plant extract specifically as a therapy for breast cancer. This milestone marked the beginning of their journey towards commercialization.
According to Prof. Anna-Mart, the primary purpose of establishing Phyenti was to position their products as a trusted leader in the phytopharmaceutical and natural medicines industry, known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity. Each decision and priority have been guided by a vision – to make a positive impact on human health and well-being through the power of nature and science.
“SU and Innovus Technology Transfer Office have played a major role in our entrepreneurial journey. Through their support, resources, expertise and networks they have been instrumental in advancing our development efforts. Innovus has provided invaluable guidance and assistance in navigating the commercialization process, from intellectual property protection to market analysis and business development. Their support has been integral to our growth and success as a phytopharmaceutical startup”, says Prof. Anna-Mart.
Since starting Phyenti, Prof. Anna-Mart and her team have encountered several significant challenges. One of the most notable has been navigating the regulatory landscape surrounding herbal medicines and dietary supplements. Ensuring compliance with various regulations while maintaining a commitment to scientific integrity and product efficacy has been a constant challenge. Additionally, securing funding for research and development, as well as sustainably obtaining the plant material while maintaining quality standards, has presented its own set of hurdles. Overcoming these challenges has required resilience, strategic planning, and collaboration with regulatory experts and industry partners.
Phyenti takes great pride in their rigorous testing processes and scientific validation of their products, ensuring it is safe and effective. This dedication to quality and evidence-based practices is a distinguishing factor in the market, providing current and future customers with products they can trust for their health and well-being.
As a phytopharmaceutical company, integrity is at the core of Phyenti. They adhere to the highest ethical standards in their research, sourcing, production, and distribution processes. Transparency and honesty guides interactions with customers, partners, and regulatory authorities. Underscoring the importance of preserving the environment and promoting biodiversity, the company’s sourcing practices prioritize sustainability, with a focus on responsible harvesting and cultivation methods that minimize environmental impact. Their ultimate goal is to improve human health and quality of life and to empower individuals to take control of their health through education, access to information, and affordable healthcare solutions. Phyenti strives to make their products accessible to diverse communities, regardless of socioeconomic status. This can be achieved through value collaboration and partnerships with academia, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. By fostering open dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the team intends to drive innovation and advance the field of phytopharmaceuticals.
Prof. Anna-Mart notes that “despite our numerous challenges, our journey has been marked by many highlights and reasons to celebrate. One of the most rewarding moments was the successful development of our first product, which represents years of dedicated research and innovation.”
“Along our entrepreneurial journey, we’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to our core values. We’ve learned the importance of agility in responding to market dynamics and customer needs, as well as the significance of building a strong, cohesive team aligned with our mission and vision” adds Prof. Anna-Mart.
The Phyenti team have demonstrated that setbacks and challenges are inevitable but can serve as opportunities for growth and innovation.