Promising health tech projects from Maastricht’s Biotech Booster
Discover Biotech Booster's breakthroughs in health tech, from Huntington's detection to cancer treatments.
Published on March 28, 2025
© Biotech Booster
In the past few months, three research teams have initiated Biotech Booster projects at the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus. Each team is focused on groundbreaking biotechnology discoveries, including using tear fluid to detect Huntington's disease, developing more targeted and effective cancer treatments, and creating antibodies that block communication between cancer cells and healthy cells.
The Biotech Booster is an initiative to accelerate biotechnology innovations, particularly in the realm of health and wellness. Funded by the Nationaal Groeifonds, this program aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and market application, fostering a robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a substantial investment of €246 million, of which €49 million is unconditionally allocated, the Biotech Booster is poised to revolutionize the biotech landscape in the Netherlands and beyond.
1. Huntington biomarker detection in tears
One of the projects under the Biotech Booster is the development of a non-invasive method for detecting Huntington's disease using tear fluid. The disease causes nerve cells in the brain to decay over time. Led by researchers Marlies Gijs and Mayke Oosterloo, this project has identified a receptor capable of detecting Huntington's disease proteins in tears. This breakthrough offers a less invasive alternative to traditional brain biopsies, which are not only invasive but also limited in frequency due to their nature.
The ability to detect Huntington's disease through tear fluid represents a significant advancement in diagnostic technology. It allows for easier and more frequent monitoring of disease progression, which is crucial for managing this debilitating neurological condition. Moreover, the high sensitivity of the tear fluid test could potentially identify carriers of the Huntington's gene before symptoms manifest, enabling earlier interventions and better patient outcomes.
2. Fenix Therapeutics: innovative cancer therapies
The Fenix Therapeutics project, led by Marc Vooijs, focuses on developing innovative cancer therapies. By studying newly discovered mechanisms, the team aims to create more effective and targeted treatments for various types of cancer. This project underscores the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize cancer care, offering hope to patients and their families.
The development of new cancer therapies is a complex and challenging endeavor. However, the Biotech Booster's support, including funding and business development resources, enables researchers like Vooijs to translate their scientific discoveries into viable treatments.
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3. EV antibodies for cancer treatment
The third project, led by Kasper Rouschop, focuses on developing antibodies that prevent cancer cells from communicating with healthy cells. The team has identified a specific protein present on the surface of communication bubbles between cancer and healthy cells. By targeting this protein, the researchers aim to disrupt the communication process, potentially preventing tumor growth and metastasis.
This innovative approach addresses a critical aspect of cancer biology—the ability of cancer cells to co-opt healthy cells for their own survival and proliferation. By interrupting this communication, the extracellular vesicles (EV) antibodies project offers a novel therapeutic strategy that could complement existing cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes.
The Biotech Booster ecosystem
The Biotech Booster initiative is more than just a funding mechanism; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support researchers and entrepreneurs at every stage of the innovation journey. From initial discovery to market application, the Biotech Booster provides funding, business development support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that promising biotech innovations have the best chance of succeeding in the market and making a real impact on society.
The initiative's focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive biotech ecosystem aligns with broader European initiatives to strengthen the biotech sector. By encouraging collaboration between knowledge institutions and businesses, the Biotech Booster aims to create a sustainable and self-regulating network that drives innovation and economic growth.
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