Sabiad, a startup in Heerenveen, a member of the LIFE Cooperative, and part of the Open Diagnostics Ecosystem, recently received significant investment support from Pharma Connect Capital (PCC). This funding will support the launch of their groundbreaking initiative. The project, in collaboration with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), aims to develop an antibody enabling the detection and imaging of Staphylococcus aureus infections—a significant challenge, particularly after orthopedic implantations such as hip and knee prosthetics.
Timely detectionThe bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for severe postoperative complications, exhibits symptoms often challenging to distinguish from normal immune reactions, resulting in late diagnoses and delayed treatments with potentially serious consequences for patients.
Using an antibody invented by Professor Jan Maarten van Dijl (microbiologist) at UMCG, rapid detection and visualization of the bacterium through bacterial imaging techniques can be achieved, allowing timely diagnosis and treatment. Sabiad also collaborates closely with Professor Paul Jutte (orthopedic surgeon), who will lead the initial clinical study.
Jan Hendriks of Pharma Connect Capital explains, "Sabiad's initiative and UMCG's contribution align seamlessly with PCC's mission. We are excited to contribute to this next development phase emerging in Northern Netherlands. The prospects for patients through the new diagnostics being developed are promising."
Ton van den Hoven, Co-founder of Sabiad, adds, "The investment from PCC is crucial for us. Their knowledge and extensive network are invaluable for advancing early developments. Thanks to this funding, Sabiad can begin exploring the first patients in a research setting, allowing us to prepare for further clinical studies and product optimization for large-scale implementation."
""The investment from Pharma Connect Capital is crucial for us. Their knowledge and extensive network are invaluable for advancing early developments""
Ton van den Hoven Co-founder of Sabiad
MimeCure heeft een investering van 3 miljoen euro binnengehaald voor de ontwikkeling van een regeneratief geneesmiddel voor de behandeling van chronische longziekten, zoals longfibrose. Dankzij deze financiering kan MimeCure de afronding van de preklinische fase versnellen en beginnen met de voorbereidingen voor klinische proeven, die volgens planning eind 2027 van start zullen gaan. De investeringsronde wordt geleid door Addington Investment Group en ondersteund door mede-investeerder Apsara Investments.
Turning plans into results: that is the central focus of the fifth LIFE Science Conference, taking place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at Forum Groningen. The LIFE Cooperative will bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers from the life sciences and health sector around one key question: how do we translate vision into concrete impact? The keynote speaker will be Peter Wennink, former CEO of ASML and one of the most influential leaders in the Dutch technology sector. In 2025, he presented his advisory report ‘The Road to Future Prosperity’, in which he advocates targeted investments in innovation to strengthen the Netherlands’ long-term earning capacity.
In the North, and in Groningen in particular, there are dozens of companies working on innovations in the fields of life sciences and health. There are many hidden gems among them, says Ronald Hesse, director of the LIFE Cooperative partnership. “Millions of patients worldwide have already benefited from innovations developed here in Groningen,” he says.
