CTC Netherlands is the latest tenant in the Biotech Center (BTC) at the Healthy Ageing Campus in Groningen. CTC Netherlands is a clinical research institute that conducts drug research for early-phase patient studies and studies with healthy volunteers. The official opening of CTC Netherlands took place on Wednesday, June 19, officiated by Alderman Mirjam Wijnja of the Municipality of Groningen. The establishment at Campus Groningen marks a significant step in CTC's pursuit of groundbreaking clinical drug research. Wim Tamminga, CEO of CTC Netherlands, stated, “We are incredibly pleased with this location at the Healthy Ageing Campus, near the UMCG, one of our most important research partners.”
Annet de Vree, Real Estate Manager at Triade, the lessor of the space in the BTC, commented, “At Triade, we find it important to provide space for innovative companies like CTC Netherlands. This stimulates the valorization and marketing of knowledge. Good biomedical infrastructure like the BTC is essential for this. We thereby promote biomedical research and collaboration between the R&D departments of companies on one hand, and the UMCG and the University of Groningen on the other. This helps give commercial and societal value to fundamental and applied research, thereby contributing to health and healthy ageing in our society.”
“At Triade, we find it important to provide space for innovative companies like CTC Netherlands. This stimulates the valorization and marketing of knowledge. Good biomedical infrastructure like the BTC is essential for this"
New Initiative
Tamminga, formerly the director of QPS Netherlands, explained that the closure of the clinic led by QPS in the UMCG prompted new initiatives. “After the closure of the clinic, three partners—Mariska Beukers, Petra Schuilenga, and myself—explored whether we could continue the clinic,” said Tamminga. This led to the establishment of CTC Netherlands with support from a Swedish company, CTR, which financed the plan.
Close Collaboration
CTC's focus is on conducting drug research in collaboration with the UMCG. “We conduct commissioned research with new drugs in patients, in close collaboration with the UMCG,” said Tamminga. CTC focuses on research into diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, psychiatric disorders, complex procedures such as the insertion of spinal catheters, and rare diseases.
The clinical research institute has 12 beds for this purpose. “Our ambition is to conduct high-quality research and not necessarily to handle large volumes,” Tamminga emphasized. He sees the importance of the network at the Healthy Ageing Campus, where the BTC is located. “The Campus is an ideal location for us not only because of the UMCG but also because of the presence of various biomedical companies and networks such as the LIFE Cooperative. We truly notice that everyone here is doing their utmost to make good initiatives and collaborations successful.”
Contributing to Solutions for People
CTC Netherlands aims to distinguish itself through collaboration and innovation, without the commercial pressure of rapid growth. “As founders of CTC Netherlands, Petra, Mariska, and I have always been focused on collaboration and continuity in clinical drug research. We do not want to force rapid growth but rather provide sustainable facilities for research that can improve the lives of patients. Our passion lies in contributing to solutions for people. The positive impact our research can have on the quality of life for people gives us energy.”
"Our passion lies in contributing to solutions for people. The positive impact our research can have on the quality of life for people gives us energy”
Source article: Campus Groningen
Header image: Alderman Mirjam Wijnja of the municipality of Groningen performs the opening ceremony on June 19, 2024. Source: CTC Netherlands
