Biotech Booster is a public-private partnership that focuses on accelerating the development and marketing of early-phase biotechnological discoveries. The University of Groningen, UMCG, and Hanze University of Applied Sciences represent Groningen in the programme.
BiloMedics was founded by Dr J.F. de Boer, Prof. H.J. Verkade, and Prof. F. Kuipers from the Department of Pediatrics at the UMCG.
Their project presents a groundbreaking approach to mitigating liver damage in cholestatic liver disease (CLD) patients, potentially alleviating symptoms and reducing the need for transplantation. CLD's are characterized by accumulation of bile acids in the liver, leading to progressive liver damage. With few effective treatments available, many CLD patients require liver transplantation, a solution limited by donor shortage, high cost, and the need for lifelong immunosuppression that impacts quality of life. Hence, there is a strong need for alternative treatment options for CLD patients.
Preclinical studies have shown promising results by focusing on specific pathways in the liver's bile acid metabolism that have not previously been used to treat CLD. This novel approach has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in severe models of CLD. The goal is to advance this treatment and develop a business case to bring it closer to clinical use.
BiloMedics has been awarded a grant from phase one of the project. In addition, the project will receive support from experienced entrepreneurs in developing their business plan and will be introduced to a network of investors that is relevant to their products.
Researchers who are interested in the opportunities Biotech Booster can provide for their project are invited to contact:
Jasper Dijkstra / [email protected] (red biotech)
Ronja Wabeke / [email protected] (white and green biotech)
Ready to speed up the biotechnological innovations from Groningen?
Then check out the vacancy for Business Developer Biotech Booster.
The application deadline is 2 December.
