Biokinetica, an internationally recognized clinical research company with Polish roots, opened a new site at Campus Groningen in June 2025. The company specializes in complex early-phase studies, such as First in Human (FiH), Proof of Concept, QTc measurements, CSF sampling, and other clinical pharmacology trials involving both healthy volunteers and patients. Ronald Koning, Chief Strategic Advisor at Biokinetica, shares insights into his role and the company’s plans in the Netherlands.
“Biokinetica operates a Phase I clinic in Warsaw, part of a cardiology hospital with fifty beds,” says Koning. “It’s a state-of-the-art facility with direct links to intensive care. From my previous work in Groningen, I already knew the Biokinetica team well. When I left ICON Drug Research, the step to join them felt very natural.”
As Chief Strategic Advisor, Koning supports the management on European expansion, study protocols, and new technologies. “My role is mainly about bringing expertise and capabilities from larger research organizations, into Biokinetica. In Groningen, this means working closely with UMCG and local partners like CTC Netherlands and Delphinium on the Healthy Ageing Campus, so we can secure approvals quickly and scale research volumes efficiently.”
A Smart Combination: The Netherlands and Poland
Biokinetica’s model combines the strengths of the Netherlands and Poland. “In the Netherlands, review of a Phase I study protocol by the independent ethics committee takes a maximum of 42 days, which is very fast compared to other countries.”
At the same time, Warsaw provides access to large groups of healthy volunteers (around 70% of research participants) and patients, particularly in oncology and cardiology, who are eager to join early-phase studies. “In Poland, patients have less access to innovative treatments, so they are very motivated to participate,” Koning explains. “Their involvement gives them hope, even if we’re still in the early stages.”
The model therefore combines rapid study initiation in the Netherlands with high volumes of healthy volunteers and patients in Warsaw. “It requires a bit more logistics for a sponsor eager to test a drug, but the time savings are significant,” Koning adds.
“Our goal is to make high-quality clinical studies available closer to home, while leveraging the strengths of our Polish clinic.”
Ambitions for Groningen and Europe
The new office at the Biotech Center on the Healthy Ageing Campus, next to UMCG, currently serves as a coordination hub. What are Biokinetica’s ambitions in Groningen over the coming years? Koning elaborates: “Right now, we’re presenting our model at U.S. conferences and expect to launch our first Dutch studies next year. Mid-term, we’re looking at further European expansion: Belgium, Scandinavia, or Germany, depending on regulations and opportunities.”
Biokinetica also aims to strengthen ties with academic institutions. A Letter of Intent with UMCG has been signed to develop joint research projects and educational initiatives. “The Healthy Ageing Campus offers an excellent ecosystem, connecting us with other biotech companies and research institutions, and helping us grow our network in the Netherlands.”
“The Healthy Ageing Campus offers an excellent ecosystem, connecting us with other biotech companies and research institutions, and helping us grow our network in the Netherlands.”
High-Quality Facilities and Faster Research
Koning emphasizes that the Warsaw clinic is fully modern and globally recognized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has inspected the site twice without a single remark. “There’s sometimes a perception that Eastern European facilities are less advanced, but Biokinetica proves otherwise. Our facilities are world-class, and that’s something I want to highlight.”
With a strategic base at Campus Groningen, strong ties to UMCG, and collaborations across Europe, Biokinetica aims to accelerate Phase I research and improve patient access to innovative therapies. “Our goal is to make high-quality clinical studies available closer to home, while leveraging the strengths of our Polish clinic,” Koning concludes.
Want to learn more?
Curious about Biokinetica? Join the Campus Café on Thursday, October 16, where Ronald Koning will present a pitch about the company (free participation, registration link). Visit [https://biokinetica.com/en/] for more information. Fancy a coffee with Ronald Koning? Reach out via ronald.koning@biokinetica.com.
Text: Campus Groningen
Pictures: Biokinetica
