Therapeutics
Antwerp is a leading hub for excellence in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), driving the translation of innovative therapies from the laboratory to clinical practice. Research in the region spans cell-based therapies, such as dendritic cell vaccines and CAR-based therapies, alongside gene therapies and tissue-engineered products. These approaches address a wide range of conditions, from cancer and autoimmune disorders to genetic and corneal diseases. Supported by cutting-edge science, advanced technology platforms, and strong collaborative networks, Antwerp’s research institutes and companies are at the forefront of delivering next-generation therapies to patients in a safe and efficient manner.
The Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH) of the University of Antwerp, currently headed by Prof. Dr. Sébastien Anguille, is a multidisciplinary research group focused on both basic and translational biomedical research. The lab has a strong national and international track record in developing cellular immunotherapies and gene engineering approaches for cancer and autoimmune diseases as well as stem cell research. By combining fundamental research with clinical applications, LEH contributes to the development of innovative immune-based therapies.
The Center for Oncological Research (CORE) is a joint oncology research platform of the University of Antwerp, gathering research lines and experts in the field of basic, translational and clinical cancer research, headed by Prof. Dr. Filip Lardon and Prof. Dr. Evelien Smits. Core’s mission is to advance cancer treatment and to improve patient quality of life through development of more efficient detection methods and new revolutionary therapies.
CORE consists of several specialized teams working together to advance cancer research. Within this center, the Solid Tumor Immunology Group (STIG) focuses on developing innovative combination therapies for solid tumors. Their work combines strategies that stimulate the immune system with approaches that counteract tumor-induced immune suppression, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of NK cells and CAR-NK technologies.
This research is strengthened through close collaboration with other CORE teams. The Targeted and Combination Therapy Team (TACTT) develops advanced monoclonal antibodies that activate NK cells, while the Tumoroid Screening Lab (TUSC) specializes in growing patient-derived cancer cells as 3D tumoroids, allowing CAR-NK therapies to be tested directly on patient-specific organoids using live-cell imaging.
The Department of Translational Neuroscience focuses its research on the sensory organs of the human head and the associated head and neck structures in which nerves play a central role. This includes the brain, eyes, ears, nose, teeth, tongue, and throat.
Within the Resonant Lab, led by Prof. Dr. Vincent Van Rompaey, researchers are developing innovative therapies for DFNA9, a hereditary disorder that causes hearing loss and balance impairment, using advanced techniques such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR/Cas9.
The Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS Lab) concentrates on tissue culture and regenerative medicine of the human cornea. In addition to developing a “cornea-on-chip,” the group is a partner in the RegMed XB Eye Moonshot project. This initiative aims to create an artificial corneal endothelium composed of a unique synthetic membrane combined with corneal endothelial cells derived from stem cells. The ultimate goal is to develop a stem cell–based therapy that could replace endothelial keratoplasty and make vision-saving treatments more widely accessible.