Cynthia Hunefeld, PgDipClinRes, MIC

Cynthia Hunefeld’s biotech company Evithé is pioneering new technology to extract the potent benefits of plants in new medicines right here in Wellington.

Originally from the Netherlands, Cynthia and her husband moved to New Zealand 18 years ago. She began her journey investigating the healing properties of plants after her dad became seriously ill with sepsis. He was left disabled when she was 10 years old.

After seeing the damage an uncontrolled bacterial infection had on her father, she began a lifelong quest to find out how to protect the body from inflammation.

Cynthia's studies

Drawn to the scientific aspects of botany, Cynthia studied clinical herbal medicine. She combined scientific plant studies with traditional healing practices. She helped her dad recover from a second bout of sepsis using a formulation made of ginger root. Cynthia decided to investigate the potential of this formula further by studying a Postgraduate Diploma of Clinical Research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Her research integrated traditional and modern perspectives to develop a more comprehensive approach to medical care. "I wanted to look after the whole patient, not just treat the symptoms," she explains. "It’s about finding ways to bridge the knowledge gap between traditional medicine and clinical science."

Funding for trials of plant-based solutions was often overlooked or dismissed in favour of single-molecule pharmaceuticals. Her postgraduate diploma gave Cynthia a better understanding. She learned about medicine development, getting medicine into clinical trials, and the regulations. She asked questions and felt supported by her professors. “I think that makes Victoria University stand out, that there is this curiosity among professors to look at their topics from multiple viewpoints and use that knowledge for the better.”

Evithé Biotechnology

She shifted her focus after realising that funding for traditional antibiotics was sparse despite the growing need. Cynthia worked to develop a product that could act as an antibiotic synergist, working alongside conventional treatments to improve patient outcomes. However, she soon realised that having a great idea was one thing and taking it to the market was another. “I needed to build that business case and find a way to connect tradition, science, and business.”

Two weeks after her son was born, Cynthia began a Master of Innovation and Commercialisation at Wellington School of Business and Government. This helped her navigate the complex world of lab research, intellectual property, investment challenges, and the commercialisation of scientific innovations. She founded Evithé Biotechnology. Because of her two young children and full-time study, she funded her patent filing by selling her car.

Clinical trials

Today, Evithé is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking products. Their products have entered clinical trials at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand. The trial involves 50 participants and focuses on testing the safety and efficacy of a plant-based solution designed to treat chronic inflammation and modulate the immune response. "We’re not just adding to the current medicine—we’re looking to expand the medical toolbox," she explains.

With the success of the clinical trials, Cynthia aims for Evithé’s products to reach the market next year as medical food. The next step is for them to become a prescription medicine, which could be used in hospitals and healthcare settings worldwide.

Evithé is part of Victoria University of Wellington’s new Taiawa tech and innovation hub at the Pipitea Campus in central Wellington. The company actively works with the University's professors to progress its research into innovative plant products from single compounds to complex mixtures. Cynthia’s perseverance and hard work have culminated in attractive offers to take Evithé overseas, but she is staying in Wellington—for now.

Cynthia advises people considering studying biotech or higher education to go for it. "If you plan it right, budget it properly, and really, really want to make it work, you can make the change you want to see. Whether you're a new mum or an aspiring scientist, there’s always a way."