Proxcys: 'We can now really push forward'

Twenty years ago, biologist Marcel Raedts worked from his garage on inventions for the biopharmaceutical industry. Since then, a large team at Proxcys has been working on systems that 'isolate' proteins faster, better and more sustainably for drug production. 'We have since built a name for ourselves in developing these machines,' Raedts confirms. Now it is a matter of steaming ahead. Support comes from Boost-Up, MKB Fonds Drenthe and committed informals. Together they are investing in Proxcys to enable growth, innovation and impact.

Proxcys’initial goal was to modernize the processes used to fractionate blood plasma. This plasma is used to produce medications for people with serious blood disorders. “Our radial chromatography is highly efficient, ensuring that none of this precious raw material—donated by donors—is wasted. We do this very quickly and gently. That’s what sets us apart,” explains Raedts.

Proxcys technology is also going to make a difference in the production of healthy supplements for baby food. This year, the Emmen-based company will deliver its technology for isolating Lactoferrin from cow's milk. 'Lactoferrin is a small but important protein in breast milk and will now be added to baby food as a supplement in the right concentration.' Raedts: 'Our first installation will start this spring in America. European milk processors are very interested and we are also working on other valuable proteins from milk.'

For more than a decade, Proxcys has been working on a breakthrough for immunotherapy. "Unlike chemically 'poisoning' cancer cells, biological immunotherapy poisons only the cancer cells and not the whole body," Raedts said. This therapy is costly, but Proxcys developed a process that greatly reduces production costs. The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), together with the universities of Delft and Wageningen and a number of industry partners, is conducting scientific research to validate and test this unique breakthrough. 'This scientific breakthrough will contribute to rapid acceptance of the technology,' Raedts expects.

The process is also incredibly sustainable. 'Unfortunately, the biopharmaceutical industry is also a plastic guzzler. Our technology reduces usage by at least 70%, which means much less plastic is burned. That means an enormous CO2 reduction. This is another reason why the NWO has honored this program as 'outstanding.'

CFO Alex Overdijk gives another reason why parties find Proxcys interesting. 'Most companies in these industries work 'axially': when scaling up, mainly the surface area gets bigger. Our system works 'radially' and also uses the height. The ground area of our machine is therefore much smaller and the product yield per square meter is six times greater. That is an enormous advantage when placed in very expensive energy-consuming clean rooms.

Raedts: “As an independent small business from Emmen, we’re taking on huge multinationals.” The passionate founder adds: “We make fantastic products, but continuity is also important. With the support of Boost-Up and the Drenthe SME Fund, we can continue to grow.”’ Overdijk adds: ‘We’re professionalizing our organization and financial management. By working smarter and expanding our team just a bit, we can achieve all these great goals and increase our product volume.’ The new Advisory Board also includes the shareholders. Overdijk: “The management team can turn to them for advice, which allows us to tackle problems more quickly. It helps us become more efficient, achieve shorter lead times, and increase our capacity for serial production.” Raedts: “The funding from Boost-Up and the Drenthe SME Fund also went smoothly and quickly.”

Martijn Kruisman, director of Boost-Up, is pleased with the recognition. “High-tech companies like Proxcys often take longer to get up to speed before they can really hit the ground running. We’re happy to help with that.” The Boost-Up foundation consists of passionate entrepreneurs who are eager to use their capital, knowledge, and network to support entrepreneurs in the Northern Netherlands. “We have 42 business partners who decide on a case-by-case basis whether they want to participate in each investment. For each investment, 15 to 20 partners participate. At Boost-Up, we always have room for new partners with whom we can make an even greater impact.” The foundation finds Proxcys particularly interesting because the company is truly ready to take new markets by storm. “The ‘Boost’ of innovation, the commitment of previous investors who have a great deal of confidence in the company, and their specific market knowledge appeal to us enormously. We’re happy to add our own expertise to that.” Kruisman continues: “Proxcys is putting Emmen on the map as a high-tech hub. We can be proud to have such a company in the North.”

Tim Vonk, investment manager at MKB Fonds Drenthe, sees the same thing: 'An innovative company like Proxcys, which develops and sells crucial products to global, reputable parties, deserves our support.' MKB Fonds Drenthe participated directly and is thus a shareholder. 'We always do that with several parties. Prominent involved informals from the region confirmed the importance of our participation. After thorough research and several conversations, despite the major challenges, we have a positive feeling about Proxcys' beautiful goal and a lot of confidence in the management.' MKB Fonds Drenthe wants to further develop the Drenthe economy and help as many innovative companies in the province as possible. 'We are also showing with this participation that we can really add value.' He concludes, "Raedts' slogan is: 'We have been doing the impossible for years.' It is now time to show that to the whole world. MKB Fonds Drenthe is happy to support that.'