Our Services
Why choose us?
Our expertise and experience
Lunatum Biotech is your reliable and innovative preclinical CRO orthopedics and partner for preclinical research and development in the field of molecular musculoskeletal medicine and gene therapy. Our scientists use optimized techniques and work protocols for the isolation and in-depth analysis of on-target and off-target cells. Using a variety of advanced in-vitro modeling systems and in-vivo musculoskeletal research models, we provide crucial preclinical insights to companies working towards developing targeted drugs and medical devices for the rapidly expanding orthopedic market.
Our specialization and commitment
Lunatum Biotech offers a comprehensive solution for the preclinical evaluation of pioneering therapy approaches, serving as your premier partner in advancing medical progress. With expertise spanning the medical fields of orthopedics and sports medicine, trauma and reconstructive surgery, and rheumatology, we are committed to addressing the unmet needs of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. At Lunatum, we aim to play a pivotal role in propelling the field of musculoskeletal therapies forward.
Our motivation and communication
At Lunatum Biotech, we prioritize direct collaboration between our clients and seasoned lead scientists, ensuring responsive and transparent communication at every step of the project. Our hallmark is delivering scientific excellence promptly and within budget, setting us apart in the industry. With a team of highly motivated scientists who deeply comprehend your requirements, we are dedicated to advancing both your scientific goals and commercial success. Partner with Lunatum Biotech for a seamless journey towards achieving your objectives.
The services of Lunatum Biotech:
Selected models (but not limited to):
- Osteoarthritis models - CRO osteoarthritis
- Cartilage regeneration models - CRO cartilage
- Bone regeneration models - CRO bone
- Tendinopathy / tendon injury models - CRO tendon
Selected service packages:
- Vector library screening and single vector testing - CRO gene therapy
Our array of preclinical CRO services encompasses:
- consulting on potential applications of your technology in the field of musculoskeletal medicine
- advising on market opportunities and therapeutic needs
- consulting / developing project designs
- preparing animal protocols
- creating in-vitro and in-vivo models
- conducting preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments
- in-depths analysis on the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ level by various means
- proof-of-concept studies, biodistribution studies, pharmacokinetics, safety evaluation, efficacy studies
- providing a comprehensive portfolio of established animal models as well as in-vitro modeling systems
- detailed data analysis
- data reporting
We possess unparalleled preclinical CRO expertise regarding the following target tissues/organs:
- joints
- cartilage
- bone
- tendon
- muscle
- intervertebral disc
- spine
We employ a variety of experimental methods,
such as:
- creation of valid and reliable research models (in vitro and in vivo)
- use of surgical and non-surgical animal models (small and large)
- precise and reproducible surgical procedures
- local and systemic administration of drugs
- in depths analysis of on-target and off-target cells and tissues
- optimized cell isolation and purification
- DNA/RNA extraction
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- histological evaluation, histopathology
- immunohistochemistry
- histomorphometry
- various imaging techniques: IVIS, x-ray, CT, MRI
- biomechanical testing
- behavioral tests: pain evaluation, gait analysis
- scoring/assessment: images, behaviour
Contact us for further details regarding our continuously expanding orthopedic CRO services.
Lunatum's areas of expertise
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Please don't hesitate to contact us for in-depth discussions about target diseases, areas of research interests, and how Lunatum Biotech - as a specialized preclinical CRO - can offer support in developing cures for these conditions. We are deeply committed to collaborating with you to make significant strides in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. We have a special focus on CRO orthopedic services.
Joints
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO osteoarthritis services
Cartilage
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Cartilage
Cartilage Defects, Osteochondral Defects, Meniscus Tears, Diastrophic Dysplasia, Achondroplasia, Chondrosarcoma - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO cartilage services
Bone
Muscle
Cartilage
Bone Fractures, Bone Defects, Nonunions, Osteoporosis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Fibrous Dysplasia, Hypophosphatasia, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), Paget's Disease, Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), Osteonecrosis, Osteosarcoma, Bone Metastasis - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO bone services
Tendon
Muscle
Muscle
Tendon Ruptures, Tendinitis, Tendinopathy, Chronic Tendon Degeneration, Stenosing Tenosynovitis, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO tendon services
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Sarcopenia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Myasthenia Gravis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Polymyositis, Muscle Injuries - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO muscle services
Spine
Spine
Spine
Herniated Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, Vertebral fractures, Osteoporotic fractures, Scoliosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spinal Cord Injury - Lunatum Biotech is a preclinical CRO orthopedics with a special focus on CRO spine services
Leadership - Lunatum Biotech, LLC - your preclinical CRO
Oliver B. Betz, PhD
Oliver is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Lunatum Biotech, LLC, - your preclinical CRO specializing in musculoskeletal research and orthopedic innovation. With over 25 years of experience in bone biology, regenerative medicine, and gene-based orthopedic therapies, he is a recognized leader in translational musculoskeletal science. Oliver earned his PhD at the University of Ulm, conducting his doctoral thesis at the world-renowned Institute for Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, focusing on the biology of bone healing. He later completed a post-doctoral thesis (Habilitation) on advanced bone regeneration strategies and became a qualified university lecturer (Privatdozent) at LMU Munich.
His post-doctoral research brought him to Harvard Medical School, where he worked at the Center for Molecular Orthopedics and served as an Instructor, pioneering gene therapy approaches for skeletal repair. He also conducted research as a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), expanding his expertise in tissue engineering and RNA delivery. Oliver previously held the position of Head of Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine at the University of Munich (LMU), where he led multidisciplinary programs in experimental orthopedics and translational cell therapy.
At Lunatum Biotech, he drives scientific strategy, innovation, and partnership development to accelerate preclinical success for clients in biotech and pharma. His work bridges rigorous academic research with industry-focused study design, ensuring both scientific depth and regulatory alignment. Oliver’s leadership is defined by a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep commitment to advancing orthopedic science. Through Lunatum, he continues to shape the future of preclinical musculoskeletal development.
Volker M. Betz, MD
Volker is the Medical Director of Lunatum Biotech, LLC, - your preclinical CRO specializing in orthopedic research. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician with over 25 years of experience in preclinical musculoskeletal science and orthopedic gene therapy. Volker studied medicine at the University of Munich (LMU) and received his clinical training at leading academic hospitals in Dresden and Aachen. He later held the position of Deputy Chief Physician at the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Medical Park Clinics, where he combined clinical excellence with translational research.
He completed his post-doctoral research training at Harvard Medical School, contributing to breakthrough work in orthopedic gene therapy and tissue engineering. His studies helped establish the use of BMP-2 gene-activated tissue grafts and percutaneous gene delivery as effective strategies for bone regeneration in preclinical models. Dr. Betz has published extensively on gene-enhanced bone repair, cartilage regeneration, and tendon healing . His ability to bridge surgical practice with cutting-edge biotechnology gives him a unique translational perspective.
He is also a qualified university lecturer (Privatdozent) at LMU Munich, where he continues to mentor young clinicians and scientists. Volker brings deep expertise in regenerative medicine, orthopedic biomaterials, and experimental design to Lunatum Biotech. Under his leadership, the company delivers scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant preclinical studies. His passion for innovation and evidence-based practice continues to shape the future of musculoskeletal research.
ADVISORY BOARD - Lunatum Biotech, LLC - your preclinical CRO
Ellen Morgan
Ellen Morgan is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in drug development and the clinical research industry. She was the founder and long-time CEO of Synteract, a global full-service CRO that grew to support hundreds of clinical programs across diverse therapeutic areas. Following this, she co-founded Agility Clinical, a specialty CRO focused on rare and orphan diseases, which was later acquired by Precision for Medicine. Ellen then served as President of Rare Diseases at Precision, helping to expand their capabilities in this complex and high-impact area.
A pioneer in optimizing trial strategies for small biotech companies, Ellen has consistently driven innovation in clinical operations, data management, and global site engagement. She also founded PHACT, the first nonprofit CRO dedicated to conducting clinical trials for neglected diseases in underserved regions. Her work has spanned continents and has been instrumental in bringing research capacity and healthcare access to developing countries.
Ellen has received multiple industry honors, including the Athena Pinnacle Award and recognition as one of PharmaVOICE’s 100 Most Inspiring People. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Management & Industrial Engineering. Today, she continues to serve on several nonprofit boards supporting rare disease communities. Ellen brings to the Lunatum Advisory Board a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to improving global health.
Christian Thirion, PhD
Christian is a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur who founded SIRION Biotech GmbH in 2005, a company that has become a global leader in viral vector technologies for gene and cell therapy. Under his leadership, SIRION developed over 7,000 viral vectors for more than 200 clients worldwide, significantly accelerating preclinical drug development cycles. His innovative LentiBOOST™ technology notably enhanced transduction efficiencies in gene therapies, as demonstrated in collaborations with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Christian also spearheaded strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi, to advance next-generation adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy applications. His vision expanded SIRION's global presence, establishing facilities in Heidelberg, Gräfelfing, Boston, and Paris. In 2021, SIRION was acquired by PerkinElmer, marking a significant milestone in its growth and validating Christian's strategic direction. Beyond his role at SIRION, he has contributed to the scientific community as a board member for Hervolution, a Danish immunotherapy startup, and WaterHarvesting Inc., a Californian climate technology company. Christian's work has been instrumental in advancing the field of gene therapy, impacting the development of treatments for various genetic disorders.
Mari Anne Snow
Mari Anne is the CEO and co-founder of Eascra Biotech, a pioneering nanomedicine startup based in Boston. Under her leadership, Eascra has developed Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNs), DNA-inspired nanomaterials designed for efficient delivery of RNA therapeutics, gene editing tools, and regenerative medicine applications.
Eascra's innovative approach has garnered significant recognition. The company was awarded grants from NASA to explore in-space manufacturing of JBNs, collaborating with the University of Connecticut and Axiom Space. This initiative aims to leverage microgravity environments to enhance the quality and efficacy of nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Additionally, Eascra was selected as a finalist in the "Innovative World Technologies" category at the 2023 SXSW Pitch, highlighting its potential to revolutionize therapeutic delivery systems.
Beyond her work at Eascra, Mari Anne has a background in remote team leadership and organizational development. She previously founded Sophaya Consulting and the Remote Nation Institute, where she authored The Remote Work Handbook, a guide for building effective remote team operating models. Her diverse expertise underscores her commitment to innovative solutions in both technology and organizational management.
Yupeng Chen, PhD
Yupeng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut and a co-founder of Eascra Biotech. He is a pioneer in developing DNA-inspired Janus base nanomaterials (JBNs), which self-assemble into nanostructures capable of delivering therapeutic agents to challenging tissues such as cartilage, brain, and solid tumors.
Yupeng's research has earned him prestigious awards, including the NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award and the Department of Defense Discovery Award. He has also been recognized as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors for his contributions to translational science. In 2024, he was elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering for his work in nanotechnology and in-space bioengineering.
Yupeng's innovative research has attracted significant funding from agencies such as NASA, NIH, and the Department of Defense. Notably, he led a NASA-funded project to develop and test JBNs aboard the International Space Station, aiming to advance in-space tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His work continues to push the boundaries of nanomedicine, with potential applications in treating arthritis, cancer, and neurological diseases.