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erlenmyer-research
Research group/lab

Pharmacy: Drug Innovation

About our research group/lab

Our research

The pharmacy focuses on innovative academic approaches in drug development: Radiopharmaceuticals, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), 3D Pharma printing, and Biotechnology. Healthcare faces challenges like rising drug costs, shortages, and difficulties in developing drugs for (rare) diseases. Academic drug development, leveraging expertise and collaboration, can address these challenges effectively.

This research line is the most fledgling branch within our department of pharmacy. Using the Radiopharmacy GMP Unit(a collaboration between pharmacy and nuclear medicine) we strive to be the leading party in the Netherlands in the field of research on new radiopharmaceuticals (both diagnostics and theranostics). We aim to produce ATMPs in the pharmacy on a larger scale to make them accessible and affordable. 3D printing of medication will enable us to use this innovative pharmaceutical preparation to be flexible in the production of drugs.

Collaborating closely with Apotheek A15, we are positioned to excel in drug development, fostering our unique drug portfolio for clinical trials and immediate patient care. This innovative approach aims to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and offer personalized therapies instead of universal solutions.

This research line is led by Prof. dr. P.H.M. (Hugo) van der Kuy in collaboration with 2 assistant professors, and 2 post-docs.

Targets for the future

Set up a sustainable Academic Drug Innovation framework.

The rising costs of drugs and the challenges in developing novel drugs for (rare) diseases are significant issues in healthcare. Academic drug development can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by leveraging the expertise, resources, and collaborative nature of academic institutions. We will focus on academic innovative approaches in drug discovery and development, in the fields of Radiopharmaceuticals, ATMP, 3D Pharma printing and Biotechnology.

The next 6 years we would like to: 

Develop and clinically assess:

  1. 4 new Terbium161, Lead212 and Actinium-225-based radiopharmaceuticals for enhanced treatment of cancer;
  2. 4 New PET radiopharmaceuticals in collaboration with Cyclotron BV;
  3. A peptide based cancer vaccine for patients with PDAC;
  4. 2 3D printed drugs.

    Develop:

  5. 4 new ATMPs in clinical phase;
  6. and screen 20 medication candidates on their 3D printability, 1 as generic drug for a drug with extreme drug-expenditure for Erasmus MC and 5 for neglected patients with urgent medical need;
  7. At least 1 Biological Medicines (biosimilar or new product for rare disease).

    Create:

  8. an inclusive and diverse pan-European network on the topic of pharmacy preparations;
  9. a state of the art knowledge center on academic drug innovation for all researchers in the Erasmus MC.

    Perform:

  10. 2 Health Technology Assessments for affordable ATMPs manufactured by the pharmacy.

Our team

Principal Investigators

Project Leaders

Phd Students