Academic Pharma
Vision and mission
Most medicinal products available are the result of:
- academia delivering new knowledge based on biomedical and chemical research
- pharmaceutical companies further developing those novel insights into safe and effective products.
However, examples of effective collaborations between academia and industry that resulted in registered medicinal products are few. That these collaborations are unsuccessful is, in part, caused by the differences in culture and goals between such sectors. In addition to this problem, there is limited interest in developing medicinal products for rare diseases or in patent-expired products.
…Vision and mission
Most medicinal products available are the result of:
- academia delivering new knowledge based on biomedical and chemical research
- pharmaceutical companies further developing those novel insights into safe and effective products.
However, examples of effective collaborations between academia and industry that resulted in registered medicinal products are few. That these collaborations are unsuccessful is, in part, caused by the differences in culture and goals between such sectors. In addition to this problem, there is limited interest in developing medicinal products for rare diseases or in patent-expired products.
To address these issues, greater involvement of academia in the discovery and development of new medicinal products is required, as well as setting up collaborations with industry in which academia plays a more prominent role.
In Leiden, excellent research is performed at the Leiden University, the Centre for Human Drug Research and the Leiden University Medical Centre. All institutions are located in the Leiden Bio Science Park, in the vicinity of pharma companies and biotech-start-ups. This is an excellent environment for an active role of academia in the discovery process of new targets, and (clinical) development of medicinal products.
“In Leiden all expertise and facilities for design, development and testing of new innovative medicine are present.”
About us
Jacques (Sjaak) Neefjes, Professor of Chemical Immunology
Jacques (Sjaak) Neefjes is Professor of Chemical Immunology and head of the Department of Cell and Chemical Biology. Understanding the working mechanism of anti-cancer medicine is one of his research focuses. This knowledge contributes towards the improvement of medicines and/or diminishing of the toxic effects they have. Neefjes’ team recently discovered that chemically changing the chemotherapy doxorubicin makes it less cardiotoxic. Under Academic Pharma, the new N,N-dimethyldoxorubicin compound is now being developed further.
J.J.C.Neefjes@lumc.nl&w=710&h=710)
Teun van Gelder, Professor in Clinical Pharmacology
Teun van Gelder was trained in internal medicine, nephrology and clinical pharmacology. Ever since, he has been involved in the clinical development of several innovative drug and in developing personalised treatment strategies, based on novel therapeutic drug monitoring strategies and on clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics. In December 2019, he was appointed as professor in clinical pharmacology, in particular Drug Discovery & Development at the LUMC. One of his goals is to set up a clinical research unit, which makes it possible to conduct early phase medicinal product studies in patients.
t.van_gelder1@lumc.nl&w=710&h=710)
Laurel Schunselaar, Postdoc researcher
Laurel Schunselaar works as post-doc at the LUMC. She leads multiple projects within Academic Pharma, including a multicentre phase III trial of the new chemotherapy aclarubicin in acute myeloid leukemia, a LUMC phase I trial of aclarubicin in uveal melanoma and the N,N-dimethyldoxorubicin project. Within these projects, she is responsible for outsourced non-clinical research and setting up clinical studies. In addition, she interacts with regulatory authorities and ethics committees to support the desired indication and market approval.
l.m.schunselaar@lumc.nl&w=710&h=710)
Sub-themes
The development of new medicinal products involves many aspects, starting with the discovery of a new medicinal target or candidate product. To further develop the candidate medicinal product it is important to protected it properly.
Often, chemical or biological candidates can be tested in cells and animals. However, it does not mean it is yet suitable for use in humans. With more patients receiving personalised treatment, there is a need for innovations in the drug production process that is in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP). For further development of the candidate medicinal product, it is essential to define which non-clinical studies are important to conduct.
…Sub-themes
The development of new medicinal products involves many aspects, starting with the discovery of a new medicinal target or candidate product. To further develop the candidate medicinal product it is important to protected it properly.
Often, chemical or biological candidates can be tested in cells and animals. However, it does not mean it is yet suitable for use in humans. With more patients receiving personalised treatment, there is a need for innovations in the drug production process that is in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP). For further development of the candidate medicinal product, it is essential to define which non-clinical studies are important to conduct.
Clinical development is all about testing the drug in healthy volunteers/patients. Distribution in the body, safety and efficacy are amongst many matters that are tested in clinical trials. The ultimate goal for the medicinal product is market registration. To achieve this, the product must meet the requirements of the regulatory authorities.
Our sub-themes
Research collaborations and alliances
Paul Janssen Futurelab develops international online and on campus learning-by-doing courses for entrepreneurial biomedical professionals working in academia, start-ups, industry and at authorities. Collaboration between the LUMC and Paul Janssen Futurelab improves processes for discovery and development of new medicinal products.