Invest-NL invests €7 million in the development of new technology to combat ALS

Neurodegenerative disorders, in which nerve cells are gradually damaged or die, constitute a complex and urgent medical problem. VectorY is developing a new approach that uses gene therapy to produce antibodies at the right place in the body. The company aims to target proteins involved in the onset and progression of ALS. Amsterdam-based VectorY Therapeutics is investigating whether this technology can slow the progression of the disease. The aim is to develop treatments that not only alleviate symptoms, but also target the processes that cause the disease. 

Investing in the next development phase 

The step from scientific research to a potential treatment for patients requires significant capital. This also applies to VectorY. The company is at a stage where clinical research is focused on the safety of the treatment and obtaining initial indications of efficacy. 

With an investment of € 7 million, Invest-NL is contributing to a € 74.5 million funding round. Existing shareholders and new investors, including Angelini Ventures and the European Investment Bank, are also participating. The funding will enable VectorY to expand its international clinical research and further develop its technology for other neurological disorders, including Huntington’s disease. 

More room for Dutch biotech 

The investment in VectorY does not stand alone. The Netherlands has a strong knowledge base in biotechnology, but many companies continue to find it difficult to secure sufficient funding for the development and testing of new treatments. Costs are high and outcomes uncertain, particularly at this stage. Invest-NL helps to close this funding gap so that these companies can successfully reach the market.  

In the  biotech deep dive series, Invest-NL explores the opportunities offered by the Dutch biotech sector and what is needed to remove funding bottlenecks. A deep dive on Life Sciences & Health will also be published shortly. Would you like to receive it directly in your inbox? Sign up to stay informed about this publication. 

By investing alongside other financiers in companies such as VectorY, Invest-NL helps to further develop medical innovations, with the ultimate aim of enabling new treatments to reach patients.