Follow-up Funding for Oncode Institute to Keep Cracking the Code of Cancer

Oncode Institute is very proud to announce that we will continue for another 5 years. We would like to thank our vibrant research community for all their hard work and look forward to working together.

Oncode Institute is a virtual fundamental cancer research institute aiming to accelerate breakthrough discoveries and speed up their translation into new diagnostics and treatments for cancer patients. Oncode researchers receive funding to conduct high-risk & high-gain research and receive support to advance their discoveries. KWF, the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, ZonMw and the ministries of EZK, VWS and OCW invest 92 million euros so Oncode can continue its mission to outsmart cancer and impact patients’ lives.

With over 110 patents filed, a wide range of unique collaborations between scientists, clinicians and industry partners, 9 oncology start-ups, 1.681 published papers and 16 studies in the clinical proof of concept phase, Oncode has proven over the past 5 years that its unique approach works.

Please see attached fact sheet with the most important results.

New research ideas

Geert Kops, Scientific Director and Head of the institute, says: “We are beyond proud that our funders give us their trust to continue our institute for the next five years. The unrestricted funding that the researchers receive gives them the opportunity to really go into uncharted territory and explore high-risk but potentially high-gain research ideas. Cancer patients can only benefit from excellent science if the results from the labs actually make it into the clinic. With our unique valorisation approach, where a team of experts spends time at the labs, understands the research programmes of the group and proactively identifies and activates valorisation opportunities, we make this happen. We are excited about the coming five years and are confident we can continue to impact the lives of cancer patients."

Impact takes time

Carla van Gils, director of KWF, says: “The process from the initial idea in a laboratory to an application for a patient is long and difficult. Oncode Institute unites the best researchers and valorisation experts to ensure a major acceleration. And thus provides a source of new treatments for the patients of the future. We are extremely proud that through the support of our donors we can be the driving force behind this great institute and its next phase.”

René Kuijten, member of the Supervisory Board and one of the founders of Oncode Institute, adds: “I am very proud that Oncode Institute's unique model has proven itself and is again recognised by its funders. Oncode's proactive valorisation approach is much needed to ensure that the findings in the lab actually reach the clinic. In addition, I am very grateful that Oncode-PACT has been awarded by the Growth Fund Committee. This will help accelerate the development of cancer treatments even further.”

Source: Oncode Institute