About Lipotype

Lipotype is the leading lipidomics service provider for every researcher.
We developed Lipotype Lipidomics to identify and quantify thousands of lipids in no time. Our mass spectrometry-based technology was designed to adapt to a rich variety of sample types to reflect the diversity of research.
Vision and Philosophy
Our experience is based on decades of research on the role of lipids in cellular processes and on methodological aspects of lipidomics.
We are molecular biologists, bio statisticians, physicians, biochemists, mass spectrometry specialists, and bioinformatics experts. We are scientists who strive for better, faster and deeper comprehension of life and health through better, faster and deeper access to lipid data.
Our scientific curiosity drives us to keep upgrading our lipidomics technology and serve the scientific community on their avenues to the greater goal of life sciences: a better life.
Milestones
Lipotype is a spin-off from the labs of Kai Simons and Andrej Shevchenko of the Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics.
2012
The Founding of Lipotype
Kai Simons gathers a team and founds Lipotype. They share a vision to provide researchers easy access to lipidomics data.
2014
Market Entry
After two years of R&D, Lipotype Lipidomics enters the market and starts to serve scientists from academia and industry.
2016
Online Shopping
Neither access to lipidomics nor to lipidomics services should be limited. In an unusual move, an online shop is added to the website.
2017
Lipotype Skin Lipidomics
The skin’s lipid composition is essential for its function. The platform “Lipotype Skin Lipidomics” is released.
2019
Certified Experts
Lipotype is the worldwide first and only officially GMP certified lipidomics service provider.
2020
Doubling Down
After weeks of calibration, new mass spectrometers go live. The analysis capacity of Lipotype has doubled.
2022
New Tech
Lipotype employs a new technological setup and adds targeted lipidomics assays to their service portfolio.
2023
Lipotype Inc.
After serving US researchers from Europe for nearly ten years, Lipotype Inc is founded – a 100% subsidiary located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Founder

Kai Simons
Founder and CEO
Kai Simons is Emeritus Director of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and genetics and CEO of Lipotype GmbH in Dresden, Germany.
Kai Simons received his MD degree from the University of Helsinki, conducted postdoctoral research at Rockefeller University, and rejoined his alma mater as Principal Investigator in 1967. In 1975, he moved to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, to start the Cell Biology Program, which became the focal point for molecular cell biology in Europe. After the turn of the millennium, Kai Simons moved to Dresden to build up the new Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. This Institute is today an internationally recognized center in its area of research.
His recent research has focused on cell membrane organization and function. He has pioneered the concept of lipid rafts as a membrane organizing principle, based on the phase-separating capabilities of sphingolipids and cholesterol in cell membranes.
For his contributions to cell biology, Kai has received numerous accolades, including lecturers from esteemed scientific societies and internationally renowned academic institutions, Doctor Honoris Causa and Honorary Professorships at multiple universities, and received diverse awards including, for instance, the Robert Koch Gold Medal, the Anders Jahre Prize, the Albert Wander Prize, the Schleiden Medal and the Runeberg Prize, and the Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony. Kai Simons is a foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. He was the President of the European Life Scientist Organization, and co-director of the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Studies of the Chinese Academy of Science.
His biotech experience includes co-founding the Biotech-Start-up Jado Technologies and membership in the scientific advisory boards of Biogen and Sanofi. With Lipotype, Kai Simons is now focusing on translating lipidomics and lipid analysis to clinical and industrial applications.
Kai’s colleagues say
His northern pragmatism helps him stay cool on his many turbulent journeys.
Kai comments bad lifestyle habits with wit to convince people of a healthier life.
Kai is the most reliable shooter I know, both on and off the basketball court.
Kai has everything for great leadership: empathy, enthusiasm, a sharp mind.
I value Kai’s utmost passion for everything he does from business to personal matters.
He swirls with passion, ease & cheerfulness. Whether it’s lecture or dance floor.
Kai is an unsurpassed mentor and storyteller who keeps you fancy a better life.
Kai has amazing people skills and knows how to work with anyone.
Energetic and enthusiastic. The most visionary leader I have ever met.
Our Team
Leading experts from multiple disciplines: diverse backgrounds are what drives Lipotype and our services.
Dr. Alessandra Palladini
Celine Palitza
Christina Avdi
Dr. Cyrus Papan
Dr. Dana Großmann
Dr. Grzegorz Chwastek
Dr. Julia Fröbel
Dr. Kai Schuhmann
Magdalena Sworowska
Manuela Leveghi
Markus Damm
Dr. Nicolas Frölich
Tereza Veberová
Thea White