Scientist Launches New Nerve Pain Treatment Startup

During her PhD, Huizenga focused on a protein involved in nerve pain. Together with other research groups, she developed inhibitors that can block this protein. 'In animal models, we saw a very strong effect on nerve pain.'

Nerve pain is common, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy. 'About 80 per cent of chemo patients experience nerve pain. It can be so severe that doctors have to adjust or even stop the treatment,' Huizenga explains. Currently, there are few effective medicines to treat it.

From science to startup

At first, Huizenga didn't see herself as an entrepreneur. 'When I started my PhD, I never imagined I would start a company afterwards,' she says. With support from the university, the startup hub PLNT, and programmes like the NWO Venture Challenge-which the startup won-she discovered that entrepreneurship suited her. 'It's exciting and new to learn how to turn science into a business.'

Together with co-founder Wouter Driever, a colleague from her research group, Huizenga is now working on further developing the treatment. They are supported by Alexander Turkin, a business developer at the Oncode Institute, who advises on funding and intellectual property.

A lack of effective treatments

One thing that surprised Huizenga was how little currently exists to treat this type of nerve pain. 'There are a few off-label medications, but they often don't work well or have severe side effects,' she says. This motivated her even more: 'It gives you energy to work on a solution.'

A new perspective on a scientist's work

Now that Huizenga is an "entrepreneurial scientist," much of her time is spent building the business. 'I work a lot on business plans, meetings with investors and partners. I still do lab work, but much less,' she explains. Yet she doesn't feel she misses the science. 'The best part is that what we discovered together in the lab can now be developed further to actually help patients.'

Her network of fellow researchers and other startups also provides valuable learning opportunities. 'You can't do this alone. I learn a lot from others and also share my experiences,' she adds.

Looking ahead

The goal is to start patient studies within five years. 'Then we will really know if our approach can improve patients' lives,' says Huizenga.

For her, one thing remains central: helping patients. 'The best part of this whole journey is that what we discovered in the lab can now be developed further to help patients. That's what I do it for,' she says.