At SphinCS we have organised our activities distributed over two entities: SphinCS and SphinCSLyso. We are a specialized team with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of LSDs, led by Dr. Eugen Mengel and Petra Kleinhans. The patron is Prof. Michael Beck.
The international research in the field of LSDs was co-designed and advanced by Prof. Dr. Beck and Dr. Eugen Mengel (photo). In the last 25 years, therapies have been approved for 9 (of > 50) LSDs. Prof. Dr. Beck and Dr. Mengel were significantly involved in 8 diseases.
As an independent institute for clinical research in the field of LSD, our focus is on promising new drugs for LSDs at a high level in all phases and aspects of clinical research.
We want to give German speaking patients the opportunity to participate in future studies with new drugs.
We pursue the concept that patients play an active role in clinical research. Cooperation with self-help groups is an essential aspect of our approach.
Principle investigator, founder and CEO of the SphinCS GmbH & SphinCS Lyso non-profit UG. Dr. Mengel has dedicated himself to research in the field of LSDs, and has already significantly contributed to the advancement of this field of study.
Petra Kleinhans is a registered specialist paediatric nurse and has been working in the field of lysosomal storage disorders for over 16 years. During this time, she has developed her expertise in phase I-IV clinical trials. In addition to study coordination and study management, project development is one of her main activities.
At the Hochheim site, the co-founder of SphinCS organises studies of rare to ultra-rare diseases.
Mrs. Dr. Arash-Kaps has 22 years of expertise in the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with lysosomal storage disorders, which she acquired during her work as a specialist in paediatrics and adolescent medicine at the University Medical Center Mainz. Mrs. Dr. Arash-Kaps participated as an investigator in about 35 clinical trials and was instrumental in the research of various lysosomal storage disorders and the approval of various drugs. She has experience with FDA-audits in 2 IMP-studies. In January 2021 Dr. Arash-kaps has joined the SphinCS team as a highly experienced investigator. In addition to leading and conduction of clinical trials, her activities include project development.
Starting in 2002, Dr. Mani was part of Professor Beck’s team at the University Children’s Hospital Mainz, where she cared for patients with lysosomal metabolic disorders during her specialist training. She also participated in clinical trials as an investigator and conducted research into lysosomal storage disorders.
Over the following 18 years, she worked primarily as a pediatrician in Germany and abroad and obtained an additional qualification in psychotherapy.
In 2024, Dr. Mani returned to SphinCS, where her work now focuses primarily on research.
Molecular biologist with 20+ years of experience in clinical research, spanning Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Contract Management, and Business Development. Experienced in Phase II–IV clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including CNS, oncology, and gynecology. Strong international and cross-functional background, connecting scientific, operational, regulatory, and commercial teams across Europe, North America, and Asia. Since early 2023, her role at SphinCS has focused on the development, planning, and management of new and existing registries, PASS, PIS/IIT, and Phase I–IV clinical trials in the field of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs).
Denisse Yagual studied Human Medicine at the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador, where she also gained her first professional experience in general medical care. After moving to Germany, she initially worked in the medical field at a fertility and endometriosis center before joining SphinCS in 2024.
At SphinCS, she first became involved in clinical research as a Study Assistant while further developing her knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Since June 2026, she has been part of the team as a Resident Physician, combining her medical training and hands-on clinical experience with her experience in conducting clinical trials.
Loreen Gramsch is a certified pediatric nurse and completed a 1/2 year training as a study assistant in the year 2011. In 2009 she worked as a study coordinator in phase I-IV in clinical trials. In the last 4 years, she has acquired a high level of professional competence in the field of lysosomal memory diseases.
In April 2020, Ms. Gramsch has joined the SphinCS team with her expertise as a study coordinator. In addition to the coordination and conduct of clinical trials, their activities include project development.
Martina Sowirtz is a trained Medical Assistant and has been working in clinical research for 27 years. She has extensive experience as a Study Assistant and, since 2017, has worked as a Study Coordinator in Phase IIa–IV clinical trials.
Alongside her strong interest in medical research, she particularly values close and trusting relationships with patients. Martina joined the SphinCS team in October 2025, where she is responsible for the preparation and implementation of clinical trials as well as providing professional and dedicated support to study participants and their families.
Julia Stoffel is a qualified physiotherapist with 13 years of experience in the care and treatment of patients in oncology, neurology, surgery, and pediatrics. Looking to expand her professional expertise and move into clinical research, she completed further training as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in 2024/2025.
Julia joined the SphinCS team in September 2025, bringing with her extensive clinical experience and a warm, compassionate approach to patient care. She now contributes these strengths to the conduct of clinical trials, combining her medical background with a genuine commitment to the well-being of study participants.
Adriana Gutierrez Cazares knows clinical work from different perspectives. After studying medicine in Guadalajara, she worked as a physician in general and emergency medicine in Mexico and also gained experience in gynecology and pediatrics. After moving to Germany, her professional path eventually took her from direct patient care into clinical research.
She has been part of the SphinCS team as a Study Coordinator since December 2022. In this role, she combines her medical experience with the organization and coordination of clinical trials. Regular training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) complements her practical experience and keeps her knowledge of the requirements for conducting high-quality clinical trials up to date.
Victor Zambrano Quimis is a medical graduate and has been working as a Study Assistant at SphinCS since May 2025. He completed his medical studies at the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador, where he subsequently gained experience in general medical care. After moving to Germany, he continued to gain practical experience in the medical field.
At SphinCS, his work in clinical research involves rare lysosomal disorders. He has also explored Niemann-Pick Type C in greater depth, presenting on the risks of treatment interruptions in NPC at the 4th NP-C Forum in Berlin in 2026. His work in clinical research is complemented by training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
