Smaller biotech companies that do not have the facilities, knowledge or resources themselves for Phase 1 drug research can turn to Delphinium's new research clinic in Groningen. In doing so, the clinic aims to contribute to the development of new drugs in the Northern Netherlands and hopes to accelerate medical innovations.
As a Contract Research Organization (CRO), Delphinium specializes in Phase 1 clinical trials, which test the safety of new drugs in healthy volunteers. "We help companies that are developing one or two drugs but don't have the time, resources or personnel for clinical trials," says co-founder and operations director Christine Voors.
Personalized and customized
Delphinium has 12 beds and a small team of specialists. 'This allows us to offer customization and to think along,' Voors continues. 'After all, many CROs often focus on the very large pharmaceutical companies. That is usually at the expense of personal attention and the solutions you can offer by thinking along with the research. We find that smaller companies have a much greater need for that.'
'The positive response from NOM and their willingness to invest in us also really felt like a confirmation to us,' Voors continues. 'Among other things, this allowed us to hire a great team of people and we now have all the knowledge and equipment in house to provide research of the very highest quality.'
Northern Netherlands ecosystem gain
The personal approach was also a decisive factor for NOM to help finance the clinic. 'Delphinium is a very good addition to the Life Science ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands,' says Parichita Chakraborty, investment analyst at NOM. 'We have many biotech startups in our region and in our investment portfolio for which this is really a godsend.' In addition, the three female founders also have an awful lot of experience in this field, so we see it as a really good fit.'
Additional link in the research chain
'Besides focusing on the smaller companies, we also have short lines of communication with the UMCG,' says Voors. 'Because there is also a lot of demand there for support in drug research. After all, it is a different branch of sport and not every doctor has time to do this kind of research in addition to treating patients. So it's very nice that we can be that extra link in there and thus contribute to new innovations in the Northern Netherlands.'