Who We Are

• 

  MATHEW

  I moved to Basel 8 years ago to start Phares AG with Peter. It’s now my responsibility to make sure there’s a good fit with poorly soluble compounds coming into the lab and what we can do to solve the challenges. It’s also my job to keep the coffee machines decalcified and ensure the Lavazza beans are well stocked. I started working on poorly soluble compounds after converting my parent's kitchenette into a make shift lab; I've always been fascinated by finding ways to make insoluble compounds dissolve. Although I started working on solubilization, I'm continually learning new and smart delivery tricks from the technical team, particularly on amorphous systems. I’m very proud to be part of a Team that works together to pioneer new ways to tackle insolubility. I guess my epitaph will read: “bit of a weirdo, but knew more than 101 ways to deliver poorly soluble compounds.”

• 

  PETER

  Living in Switzerland since 1984, still eating Dutch cheese once in a while, pharmacist by training, PhD biochemistry both at Utrecht University, NL, I manage the technical operations at Phares with a wonderful team of dedicated scientists. I like to play chess and enjoy the beautiful mountains and hills of Switzerland (but miss the North Sea storms). Compared to my long stay at “Big Pharma” (Ciba-Geigy and Novartis), it is quite different to work for a smaller company. The customer orientation is extremely close and the sensations are correspondingly and always exciting. That’s why time is running fast. It speeds you up to become even more dynamic and innovative. That is and will be Phares.

• 

  JACQUES

  French by nature and origin, I like fencing and challenging problems. I’m trained in the field of pharmaceutical industry and physico chemistry. I have worked for Smithkline Beecham, Skyepharma and know how to use my skill with Phares Drug Delivery’s team. I spend my time formulating difficult compounds to be able to solubilize them. As French people say, “there are no problems, there are only solutions”. Having kids, I know what ‘patience’ means and at the end I will reach the target.

• 

  HERVE

  After studying in French Universities and holding a Master Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Pharmaceutical Development, I have spent the last 10 years battling the increasingly demanding analytical and quality challenges within the pharmaceutical industry. Working in the multicultural team of Phares is quite different from what I have experienced before; here the quality is not measured by the number of stamps and signatures on a document but by the personal involvement of each team member. My role here is to organize our analytical activities with no compromise on quality and timelines. Because there is not only work in life, I use my free time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and when I can, travel as far as possible.

• 

  SAMUEL

  After an apprenticeship focused on organic synthesis at Syngenta, I studied chemistry at the University of Applied sciences in Muttenz before coming to Phares after graduation. The work at Phares is exciting and challenging as we always try to optimize our services and include new techniques. Being of true Swiss origin, I enjoy very much hiking and climbing in the Swiss Mountains and rocks. I also like photography and exploring remote countries during my holidays.
  
  

• 

  ELSA

  Originally from the UK, I moved to Basel 6 years ago to work for Phares. The various daily challenges, creativity and problem solving nature of the job keeps me on my toes and my brain ticking. Being part of the Phares team is like going to work everyday with your mates, they tell you how it is, what you say will be heard, what you don’t know you will learn and be guided and any problems will be shared and solved by all. I studied Medicinal Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSC (Hons) at Loughborough University and Cosmetic Sciences (Diploma & Certificate of Higher Education in Cosmetic Science) via the Society of Cosmetic Scientists. In my spare time I enjoy skiing, snowboarding, badminton, rollerblading and hiking.

• 

  LUKAS

  I live in Ettingen, a small village in the countryside near Basel. I started my career with an apprenticeship as a chemical lab assistant specializing in Galenics at Novartis. While working at Phares, I am currently studying ‘life science technologies’ part-time at the University of Applied Sciences in Muttenz. Besides my job and studies, I like to play handball and enjoy the outdoors. My work as formulator includes a lot of different duties, from screenings in a milligram scale to the production of bigger tox-batches. I really enjoy this broad area of work in combination with challenging compounds and our excellent Phares team spirit.

• 

  DOMINIQUE

  I’ve lived in Basel since 1996. I studied Chemistry at the University of Applied Science in Muttenz. I do numerous kinds of different sports and I like cooking, painting and tinkering. My work as QC Analyst includes a variety of analytical measurement mainly with HPLC, Raman and UV-Spectroscopy. If required the analytical methods can also include NMR, LC-MS, X-Ray, TLC, DSC, NIR or specific methods to ensure the quality of our products. Working at Phares is very interesting due to the numerous challenges and a broad range of areas where I can interact. Because of a very familiar atmosphere, it’s a pleasure to go to work.

• 

  RUTH

  From Manchester, UK, I studied French & German BA (Hons) at UCL and moved to Basel in 2004. I am currently studying for a Certificate in Project Management (University of Aberdeen, distance learning). In my spare time I like going running, doing Pilates, travelling to nearby France & Germany and making greeting cards. I’m responsible for the smooth running of the Phares Products business www.ePhares.com. My aim is to ensure we provide a really high level of service so that our customers can get their products quickly and with all of the technical support they require. I enjoy the variety of challenges we’re faced with and thrive on the demands of trying to reach the highest standards in everything we do.  

• 

  DARYL

  I studied at Somerville College, Oxford and after university worked in the marketing department of Mars in Slough, UK. My role with Phares is to work with Mathew and the team to explain our unique technologies, services and products to the outside world. We have so much activity in the group that this is quite a task. In my spare time, I am an avid runner and also player manager of Somerville Old Boys Football Club.   

• 

  LOUIS

  I studied German at UCL and have been working with the Phares team for one year. My job area is where marketing meets technology: I keep our business updated with the latest technology, implement and manage the company websites and contact tools and design and shoot all the images and audio visual for the business. In addition I source all the branded marketing materials we require. As we are always looking for new, quicker and smoother ways to tell our customers about our latest developments and products this is a challenging and extensive area which is very motivating. In my spare time I enjoy gaming and playing football.