The NKI-AVL is involved in creating spin-outs where this increases the possibilities for further development of cancer-related technologies and their chance to become available for the benefit of patients.
The NKI-AVL has sofar been involved in creating two successful spin-outs:
Agendia (http://www.agendia.com/) is a world leader in gene expression analysis-based diagnostics and a spin-out of the NKI-AVL. By focusing on the genetic properties of a tumor, Agendia is able to unlock essential information on the risk of cancerous spread, cancer recurrence, the response to certain drugs or the primary site of a tumor. This information assists oncologists and physician to design tailor-made treatment plans that enhance the chances of success for cancer patients. Insight into the complex molecular characteristics of the disease is essential for optimal treatment. Deeper knowledge of a tumor's gene expression profile is clinically significant as it can be used to predict the ability of an individual tumor to metastasize or its response to anti-cancer drugs. In addition, more insight into a range of tumor properties may reveal new drug targets or specific prognostic patterns that can be used in drug development.
The company’s flagship product MammaPrint is the first and only FDA-cleared IVDMIA breast cancer recurrence assay.
AIMM Therapeutics (http://www.aimmtherapeutics.com) develops fully human antibodies against viral infections on the basis of a unique technology platform. AIMM makes monoclonal antibodies by tapping the potential of B cells isolated from the peripheral blood of individuals who successfully resolved a pathogenic infectious disease.