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
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.
Researchers at the UMCG and their spin-off CC Diagnostics, located on Campus Groningen, have developed a new test that could make cervical cancer screening more efficient and user-friendly.
A full house, sharp discussions, and an afternoon in which science and industry visibly strengthened one another. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon demonstrated that Groningen is not only a strong geographical spot, but also a substantive force within the Dutch life sciences landscape. The event, organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with LIFE Cooperative, brought professionals from across the Netherlands to the north. Researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, and clinical experts gathered around one shared ambition: to bring innovative medicines to patients faster, smarter, and better.Klaas Poelstra, Chair of FIGON, looks back positively on the event: “It was great to see local businesses in the health sector and leading academic scientists engaging in conversation with one another. They have so much to gain from each other.“From what to how What became particularly clear during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon was how rapidly the field of drug development is evolving, and how essential collaboration has become. At a time when therapies are increasingly targeted, complex, and costly, the focus is shifting from only what we develop to how we do so: more intelligently, more sustainably, and better aligned with patient needs. This broader context was already reflected in the opening remarks by Klaas Poelstra, who emphasized the importance of continued innovation for the Netherlands’ competitive position and patient care. On behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, Robert Hof highlighted that regional collaboration is a decisive factor: by bringing science, entrepreneurship, and clinical practice closer together, real acceleration can be achieved. The first substantive contributions made it clear that innovation today is not only about new molecules, but also about new delivery methods. Rob Steendam demonstrated how long-acting microspheres can improve treatment adherence and reduce patient burden. Jaap Wieling showed how inhalation technology is evolving into a platform for both local and systemic therapies. Through her research on polyelectrolyte coacervates, Marleen Kamperman placed these innovations within a fundamental scientific framework. After the break, the discussion shifted to clinical translation and advanced nanomedicines. Flávia Sousa illustrated how polymer-based nanomedicines contribute to targeted brain delivery. Ad Roffel underscored the importance of robust pharmacokinetic studies in an era where the demands for evidence continue to increase. Erik Frijlink reflected on innovation within both existing and new delivery systems, while Helder Santos outlined the potential of RNA delivery via nanotechnology for cardiac tissue repair.More than a program During the closing networking reception, it became clear what participants had gained from the afternoon. As Robert Hof, Board Member of the LIFE Cooperative, put it: “The FIGON Winter Afternoon was an excellent event with distinguished speakers and strong engagement. We look forward to the next edition and extend our sincere thanks to Klaas Poelstra and FIGON for hosting the event in the Northern Netherlands.” The common thread throughout the afternoon was therefore unmistakable: the future of medicines does not lie within a single discipline, but in the connections between them. In a time of increasing healthcare pressure, rapid technological advancement, and international competition, such collaboration is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon showed that this collaboration is firmly rooted in the Northern Netherlands and that Groningen is positioning itself emphatically as a breeding ground and accelerator for innovative drug development.
