The scientific vision behind Doderm originated in 2011, when founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrix Förster recognized one of the most pressing challenges facing modern medicine: the urgent need for alternatives to conventional antibiotic therapies in order to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Rather than focusing solely on eliminating pathogens, Dr. Förster envisioned a strategy that would support the body's natural defense mechanisms while preserving the delicate balance of the skin microbiome.

Drawing on her background in immunotherapy, she turned to one of nature's own defense systems—naturally occurring antibodies found in bovine colostrum and milk. These antibodies provide passive immune protection and offered the potential to selectively influence skin-associated microorganisms without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Transforming this concept into a scalable biotechnology platform required the development of an entirely new manufacturing process. In collaboration with Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Doderm established a proprietary production process based on advanced methods from food technology and biotechnology. This enabled the efficient isolation of highly active natural antibodies suitable for topical dermatological applications while maintaining the biological functionality of the molecules.

From the outset, it became evident that this technology had the potential to benefit both human and animal health. Consequently, Doderm embraced the One Health concept, recognizing that many dermatological conditions share common biological mechanisms across species and that scientific advances in one field can accelerate innovation in the other. The Utrecht University, internationally recognized for its close integration of veterinary and human medical research, became an ideal academic partner for translating this concept into clinical research.

An initial pilot study in dogs conducted at Utrecht University provided encouraging results. Treatment with a topically applied antibody-based gel increased the diversity of the skin microbiome in dogs suffering from eczematous skin conditions while simultaneously reducing the relative abundance of Staphylococcus species, microorganisms frequently associated with inflammatory skin diseases. These microbiological findings were complemented by promising clinical observations.

Subsequently, a multicenter clinical study involving veterinary clinics in Europe confirmed the therapeutic and preventive potential of the technology. Dogs receiving Doderm's topical treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both pruritus and skin inflammation, providing further evidence that strengthening the skin's natural microbial ecosystem represents a viable strategy for managing inflammatory skin disorders.

Alongside its scientific achievements, Doderm has successfully established a solid commercial foundation. Following three successful financing rounds involving experienced business angels and the venture capital arm of a major German state-owned development bank, the company has entered its commercialization phase. Today, Doderm generates its first revenues through the sale of over-the-counter skin care products for both humans and companion animals.