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Cancer diagnosis and therapy in one: Precirix tackles tumors with camelid antibodies
A new drug that can identify tumors, trace metastases, and treat cancer – all in one? Belgian start-up Precirix is […] August 18, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Betting on the best egg: Aurora test doubles pregnancy chances in assisted conception
Assisted conception techniques have matured in the last few decades, with Belgian scientists playing a big part in the progress. […] August 18, 2021 · BioVox
Moderna: from secretive platform company to vaccine superstar
Moderna Therapeutics has never really been a typical biotech. Sure, nowadays it is world famous thanks to its COVID-19 vaccine, […] June 23, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Friend or foe: building a healthy relationship with your board
CEOs of start-ups face many challenges. Among many tasks, they have to set up the organization, write the business plan, […] June 23, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Malaria vaccine candidate shows promise for African children
Despite decades of research, scientists have so far been unable to develop a fully effective vaccine for malaria. Now, a […] June 16, 2021 · BioVox
SciMingo: bringing science to the center stage
The world needs more quality science communication. The value to society is evident, as clear communication is key to science-based […] June 16, 2021 · BioVox
Trusting gut bacteria: MRM Health develops microbiome treatments for IBD and more
In the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the potential of microbiome-based therapeutics: using gut bacteria as […] May 19, 2021 · BioVox
Belgian pharma industry among the EU’s strongest despite pandemic setbacks
How did the Belgian chemical and pharmaceutical sector fare during the first year of the pandemic? A recent report from […] April 28, 2021 · BioVox
To fund or not to fund: the psychology of investment decisions
Much has been written about the psychology of decision making and how venture capitalists choose which companies they want to […] April 28, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Beer, bread and bioethanol: SUPERYEAST project to improve industry sustainability
Prof. Kevin Verstrepen, of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, has received a prestigious ERC Proof of Concept grant for […] April 28, 2021 · BioVox
Antwerp start-up to convert CO2 into industry building blocks
The University of Antwerp spin-off D-CRBN is helping carbon-emitting industries transform greenhouse gases into useful products. Using plasma technology, the […] April 28, 2021 · BioVox
AgomAb’s journey of growth in regenerative medicine
Ghent-based AgomAb Therapeutics recently raised a Series B of $74 million, the largest round ever for a Belgian biotech in […] March 31, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Soy in 1000 gardens: citizen science project to map soil microbes in Flanders
Good science takes many hands. In the case of a new citizen science project by VIB, UGent, ILVO, KU Leuven, […] March 31, 2021 · BioVox
Wallonia to invest in plant-based proteins as meat substitutes
The Walloon region is taking major steps towards becoming an important player in the business of plant-based proteins. In the […] March 31, 2021 · BioVox
Record-breaking pollen levels linked to increased risk of COVID-19
Increased pollen concentrations are correlated with higher rates of COVID-19. Hot on the heels of record-breaking European pollen counts, this […] March 10, 2021 · BioVox
Saving man’s best friend: Volition blood test allows cheap and easy cancer screenings for dogs
A Belgian invention is revolutionizing cancer diagnostics for dogs by making it possible to screen for two common canine cancers […] March 10, 2021 · BioVox
V-Bio Ventures: a fresh fund with a difference
V-Bio Ventures recently announced their second fund, with the first closing already totaling 78 million euros. As a VC fund […] February 24, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
One year of COVID-19: a look back at 2020 and where we are now
One year on from the emergence of SARS-COV-2 in Wuhan, China, this novel coronavirus continues to devastate the world. Since […] January 27, 2021 · BioVox
Prestigious prize for Belgian breakthrough in brain research
Prof. Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen from VIB-KU Leuven has been awarded the Generet Prize for Rare Diseases for his research on […] January 27, 2021 · BioVox
New VIB incubator gives agbiotech start-ups a chance to flourish
In mid-2021, research institute VIB will open its brand-new agbiotech incubator. The new complex will provide entrepreneurs with access to […] January 27, 2021 · BioVox
How to build the right team for start-up success
One of the key ingredients to start-up success is a stellar management team. Attracting (and retaining) the right kind of […] January 27, 2021 · V-Bio Ventures
Decades-old discoveries cause paradigm shifts in modern medicine
Complete paradigm shifts in medicine are rare, but there have nevertheless been several major examples in the past hundred years. […] December 16, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
A life-changing discovery: CRISPR scientists awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
After several years of nominations, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna have finally been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry […] November 4, 2020 · BioVox
An insightful solution to eye injections
Developing new therapies is sometimes not enough: for retinal indications, accurate delivery is key to making a drug work. Lowering […] November 4, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Vascular dysfunction meets immune suppression
November 4, 2020 · BioVox
New initiative to promote transition to Organ-on-Chip technology
In an effort to raise awareness for alternatives to animal models, BioVox is helping to promote an Organ-on-Chip initiative by […] October 29, 2020 · BioVox
Belgium: the number one biotech country in Europe!
For the third year in a row, Belgium has been ranked the number one country in Europe for biotech! Belgium […] September 30, 2020 · BioVox
Get to know Lewis Cantley: winner of the 2020 Dr. Paul Janssen Award
Every year, the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research is granted to a scientist who embodies the eponymous man’s […] September 30, 2020 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
UAntwerp researchers find cause for mysterious nodding syndrome
For decades, researchers have been trying to uncover the cause of nodding syndrome, a mysterious and deadly form of epilepsy […] September 30, 2020 · BioVox
Can Darwin’s theory explain why we get sick?
While physicians care for their individual patients and are interested in the factors contributing to the individual’s condition, evolutionary biologists […] September 30, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Countering COVID-19 with llama antibodies
Last month, VIB spin-off ExeVir Bio raised €23 million to advance a llama-derived antibody against COVID-19. The company is based […] August 31, 2020 · BioVox
A novel approach to neurology could bring relief to people in pain
In August 2020, V-Bio Ventures announced their investment in Biodol Therapeutics, a French start-up looking to make a difference to […] August 31, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Drug combos: how much is 1 + 1?
Many of our current antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumour medications are comprised of combinations of two or three active substances, selected […] August 31, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
VIB: the driving force behind a booming biotech ecosystem
Since VIB was established, the world class research institute has been led by a duo of managing directors. As Johan […] July 7, 2020 · BioVox
The opioid epidemic: solutions to a painful problem
Opioid misuse is a public health crisis that has resulted in debilitation, deaths, and significant social and economic impact. The […] July 7, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Colorectal cancer discovery raises hope for microbiome treatment
A new mechanism causing colorectal cancer has been discovered by researchers from VIB and Ghent University. A specific protein was […] July 7, 2020 · BioVox
To prevent another pandemic, we need to improve our relationship with animals
The new coronavirus did not come as a bolt from the blue. For many years, the World Health Organization (WHO) […] June 8, 2020 · BioVox
How changing diets gave rise to the world’s deadliest diseases
This article was authored by Ward Capoen from V-Bio Ventures. In a recent article, we discussed how the most prescribed […] June 8, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Fundamental research leads to treatment breakthrough in rare genetic diseases
A basic research breakthrough is improving patient lives, as researchers realized their rare genetic condition could be treated by repurposing […] June 8, 2020 · BioVox
Talking T cells with David Masopust
Immunology is a complex but vitally important branch of the life sciences. Earlier this year, we attended a Keystone Symposia […] June 8, 2020 · BioVox
Onno van de Stolpe talks Belgian biotech
At this year’s Innovation for Health, we sat down for a chat with Onno van de Stolpe. Winner of the […] May 5, 2020 · BioVox
Cell therapies: opportunities and challenges
This article was authored by Christina Takke from V-Bio Ventures. Recent activities in the cell therapy field have prompted many […] May 5, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
TheSocialMedwork: equal access to medicines for everyone, everywhere
We recently sat down with Sjaak Vink, the visionary entrepreneur behind TheSocialMedwork. This enterprise gives patients all over the world […] May 5, 2020 · BioVox
Belgian clinical trials for COVID-19
With COVID-19 cases soaring into the millions, and a vaccine still a ways off, patients are desperate for a treatment. […] May 5, 2020 · BioVox
Potential impact of the corona crisis on the life sciences industry
This article was authored by Christina Takke from V-Bio Ventures Over the past few months, every news headline has focused […] March 26, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
University Hospital Ghent and VIB are testing medication to treat COVID-19-associated respiratory illness
University Hospital Ghent and VIB are assessing a drug called Leukine® to treat patients with respiratory illness associated with COVID-19. Major medical centers in [...] March 25, 2020 · BioVox
Janssen Pharmaceutica and Filliers Distillery make disinfectant hand gel
Pharmaceutical company Janssen Pharmaceutica and gin distillery Filliers Distillery are making disinfectant hand gel from Sunday. They will distribute it among the Belgian hospitals. March 24, 2020 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
Professors of Product Development from UAntwerp are looking at emergency production of mouth masks
At the University of Antwerp, twelve product developers are working day and night to develop oral masks. “Together with industrial partners, we try to set up an [...] March 24, 2020 · BioVox
The long-distance race for a corona vaccine
Developing a vaccine takes a long time and occurs in different phases. A virus spreads quickly and unpredictably. Therefore, the outcome is a gamble for anyone in the race for the corona vaccine. March 24, 2020 · BioVox
Gates Foundation commissions large coronavirus study from KU Leuven
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is to provide samples of 15,000 therapeutic molecules to the Gasthuisberg hospital at the University of Leuven, to aid research into therapies to combat the coronavirus COVID-19, De Standaard reports. March 24, 2020 · BioVox
VIB achieves important milestone in the development of a COVID-19 drug
Earlier this year, the lab of Xavier Saelens (VIB-UGent) announced the discovery of a unique antibody that is capable of binding the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). [...] March 24, 2020 · BioVox
Augustine Therapeutics: bridging the valley of death with VIB Discovery Sciences
Augustine Therapeutics is one of VIB’s latest spinoffs, developing a first-in-class drug for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The company recently announced a seed-funding [...] February 26, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
Why everyone needs to be a part of the CRISPR conversation
With the soaring cost of drugs for rare indications, many biotech and pharmaceutical companies are focusing R&D efforts on orphan diseases. Will the pendulum swing back towards more common maladies? February 26, 2020 · BioVox
Belgian initiatives boosting animal-free innovation
Animals have been used throughout history to understand human physiology and to resolve scientific questions related to health and disease. Nowadays, however, both scientists [...] February 26, 2020 · BioVox
Could tick saliva help save lives?
The biotech Bioxodes is using a molecule derived from tick saliva to stop blood clots. The Walloon company is focused […] January 23, 2020 · BioVox
Predictions for Belgian Biotech in 2020
With the Belgian biotech landscape blooming, BioVox reached out to some of the investors in our network to see what their predictions are for the coming year. From trends to companies to keep an eye on, here’s their take on 2020! January 22, 2020 · BioVox
Battling antibiotic resistance: new strategy targets bacterial slime
Researchers have developed a new antibacterial strategy that weakens bacteria by preventing them from cooperating. The method involves attacking the protective biofilm [...] January 22, 2020 · BioVox
Signposts inspired by bat sonar improve self-driving robots
To improve sonar navigation systems used by self-driving robots, researchers from Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany have turned to nature for an ingenious solution. [...] January 22, 2020 · BioVox
Why Are Start-Ups Such Hotbeds For Innovation?
A large proportion of new treatments and life sciences breakthroughs can often be traced back to humble beginnings in a […] January 20, 2020 · V-Bio Ventures
How business models shaped our current drug development trends
December 17, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Magic mushrooms in modern medicine
This article was authored by Katja Rosenkranz from V-Bio Ventures. More than 75 years after the initial discovery of lysergic acid […] November 26, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
New immune system gene discovered in a Flemish boy
Researchers studying a rare disease have identified a new gene responsible for human immune system regulation. An international collaboration combined […] November 26, 2019 · BioVox
Combining disciplines for a simple sampling solution
Novosanis have been able to achieve great success with their clever yet simple urine sampling solution Colli-Pee® [...] November 25, 2019 · BioVox
The 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine: How do cells adapt to changing oxygen levels?
The 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to William G. Kaelin Jr, Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe and Gregg L. Semenza. Their discoveries have [...] October 24, 2019 · BioVox
Mining the microbiome for sustainable agriculture solutions
In this month’s article we take a look at Aphea.Bio, a V-Bio Ventures portfolio company. This startup is developing microbiome […] October 24, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Closing the gender gap in biotech funding: a follow-up study
This article was authored by Christina Takke from V-Bio Ventures. In this follow-up to a previous VC Views article, V-Bio […] September 24, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
HIV breakthrough at UZ Gent leads to new hope for a cure
When patients take HIV medication, a small amount of the virus nonetheless stays hidden in the body, preventing a cure. […] September 23, 2019 · BioVox
Three business strategy tips to help your company grow
Turnstone Communications, the driving force behind BioVox news, is a consultancy agency catering to life sciences companies. Lending a hand […] September 23, 2019 · BioVoxGalapagos-Gilead billion-dollar deal: beyond the numbers
Last month, Galapagos sealed a 5-billion-dollar deal with Gilead. Now that the dust has started to settle, we’re taking a […] August 27, 2019 · BioVox
Meet the men who unraveled the mystery of protein folding
Franz-Ulrich Hartl and Arthur Horwich have been named the winners of the 2019 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research. […] August 27, 2019 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
The million-dollar question: How much do you charge for a lifesaving drug?
The newest generation of ground-breaking gene therapy drugs, Zolgensma and Zynteglo, come with eye-catching price tags [...] August 26, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
How do we reduce the high cost of clinical trials?
Drug development is an exorbitantly expensive endeavor. A large expense factor for developing a new therapy is the high cost of conducting clinical trials. [...] July 18, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Solving food waste one StixFresh sticker at a time
Food waste is a major global issue exacerbated by premature fruit spoilage. A US company, StixFresh, is working together with VIB-KU Leuven Prof Patrick Van Dijck [...] July 15, 2019 · BioVox
Edible antibodies to prevent and treat gut diseases
Belgian researchers have developed edible antibodies that can prevent gut bacterial infections. Normally antibodies need to be injected, but the […] June 27, 2019 · BioVox
A new type of power plants to combat climate change
The prestigious organization EMBO recently announced several new members, including the appointment of VIB-UGent scientist Prof Wout Boerjan. Boerjan joins […] June 27, 2019 · BioVox
Betting big on blood screens for early cancer detection
This article was authored by Ward Capoen from V-Bio Ventures. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) just held their […] June 27, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
OCTIMET Oncology tackling cancer with a new captain at the helm
In this article, V-Bio Ventures introduces one of their portfolio companies, OCTIMET. This Belgian oncology startup just added a new […] May 29, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Cultured meat, plant-based patties and bug burgers: VCs are backing protein alternatives
When it comes to food, our key sources of nutrition haven’t changed much in the last ten thousand years. Though hyped-up food trends and diets come and go, [...] April 16, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Deadly mosquitoes are invading Europe
Due to climate change, two species of tropical mosquitoes are spreading into Europe at increasing rates. Their presence is linked to a range of tropical viruses [...] April 3, 2019 · BioVox
Hydrogen gas panel set to revolutionize clean energy production
Bioscience engineers at KU Leuven have created a record-breaking hydrogen gas panel. The panel is capable of producing 250 liters of hydrogen gas per day [...] March 27, 2019 · BioVox
Closing the gender gap in biotech funding
Companies with a good gender balance consistently outperform those with only men in their management teams. [...] March 19, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Battling antibiotic resistance: are we ready for a bacteriophage revival?
The discovery of antibiotics fundamentally changed healthcare in the 20th century. Deadly infections suddenly became treatable and millions of lives […] March 12, 2019 · BioVox
Women in STEM: fixing the leaky pipeline
Happy International Women’s Day! This year, in honor of the day, we’ve decided to highlight an important and personal topic: […] March 8, 2019 · BioVox
Orphan CNS diseases receive attention with new Minoryx site in Belgium
The Spanish start-up Minoryx Therapeutics recently opened a subsidiary in Belgium to further their research on treatments for rare and […] March 4, 2019 · BioVox
Life after a PhD: alternatives to academia
This article was authored by Rishabh Chawla from V-Bio Ventures. Having finished a PhD in life sciences can often leave […] February 19, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
Microbiome linked to depression in a groundbreaking Benelux study
The microbiome had been at the forefront of a lot of research and news in the past few years. Now, […] February 19, 2019 · BioVox
Are we spending too much money on cancer drugs?
This article was authored by Ward Capoen from V-Bio Ventures. November is classically the month where immunotherapy takes center stage, […] January 22, 2019 · V-Bio Ventures
New laser-based medical device revolutionizes cardiovascular disease diagnosis
Imec and Ghent University have developed a unique photonic-based medical device for the screening of arterial stiffness and the diagnosis […] January 16, 2019 · BioVox
A microbiome solution for type 1 diabetes?
Few things unite us the way trying to help a sick child does. Children living with the burden of type […] December 14, 2018 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
A Personal Translation of Microbiome Futures
Nature Biotechnology published a thought-provoking piece addressing critical questions in the development of microbiome-based solutions focused on disease interception. Co-authored […] November 28, 2018 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
Battling antibiotic resistance: a new protein powered solution
The discovery of antibiotics fundamentally changed healthcare in the 20th century. Deadly infections suddenly became treatable and millions of lives […] November 27, 2018 · BioVox
Why start-ups can become mega companies in the pharma sector
In a previous BioVox article, we analyzed the steps needed for a life sciences start-up to turn into a fully […] November 20, 2018 · V-Bio Ventures
The Benefit of BioVox – why science journalism matters
This year, for the third time in a row, the BioVox team is looking forward to attending Wallonia’s largest life […] November 7, 2018 · BioVox
AI and The Black Box Dilemma
Artificial intelligence has become a regular staple in our modern lives. With increasingly complex programs allowing for scarily accurate image […] November 6, 2018 · BioVox
Are tech investments under threat by anti-science sentiments?
In biotech, company creation is usually preceded by scientific discoveries presenting solutions to existing problems. Because of this, early stage […] October 30, 2018 · V-Bio Ventures
Lessons in Herding Cats: Business Development for Life Sciences Companies
Business development challenges can make or break a company in any industry. For a life sciences company, overcoming the added […] October 16, 2018 · Janssen Pharmaceutica
What’s next for CRISPR crops in the EU?
Genetically Modification Organisms (GMOs) is one of the most hotly debated topics in the news today. Resistance to GMOs has […] October 9, 2018 · BioVox
Bringing clinical trials into the home
Lowering the costs of drug development is more important than ever; with the increasing pressure on drug pricing and billions […] October 2, 2018 · V-Bio Ventures