IgA as a Gamechanger: PHARMIGA Explores a New Generation of Antibodies

News June 9, 2026

IgA

In the most recent funding round of the Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) programme of PharmaNL, the project PHARMIGA has been awarded. The initiative taps into the largely untapped potential of antibodies, key components of the human immune system. Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Albert Heck (Utrecht University), an expert in biomolecular mass spectrometry and proteomics, leads the project together with co-project leader Roos Masereeuw, Professor of Experimental Pharmacology at Utrecht University.

“Our focus is on IgA antibodies,” says Heck. “The human body produces them in similar quantities as IgG antibodies, yet the pharmaceutical industry primarily uses IgG. We want to demonstrate the added value of IgA-based products.” IgA, for instance, functions particularly well in mucosal tissues such as the respiratory tract, opening up new application routes, including nasal sprays against viral infections.

Innovation in infrastructure and tools

The project is not only about discovering new antibodies, but also about developing the infrastructure and tools tailored specifically to IgA. “Most existing equipment and techniques have been developed with IgG in mind,” Heck explains. “We want to take the necessary step to enable effective characterization and testing of IgA as well.”

A broad consortium covering the full pipeline

PHARMIGA brings together a broad consortium of academic and industrial partners. “There are research groups from Utrecht University, a large team from UMC Utrecht with expertise in antibody production, and the Sanquin Institute in Amsterdam, specialized in blood research and protein purification. In addition, we collaborate with companies from the biopharmaceutical sector and technology providers such as SCIEX and Bruker for mass spectrometry, and Richway for binding studies and delivery solutions,” Heck explains. “In this way, we cover the entire pipeline: from discovery to functional testing and application.”

Four years to proof-of-concept

The project officially starts on 1 June 2026 and will run for four years. The goal is to deliver several concrete proof-of-concept cases that demonstrate the potential of IgA. “We want to show that it works,” says Heck. “With the right leads and infrastructure, we aim to serve the first users and ultimately transfer the knowledge into an independent spin-out or a Contract Research Organization (CRO).”

A national initiative with international connections

Heck emphasizes that the project is both nationally rooted and internationally connected. “It is a Dutch initiative, but we certainly do not operate in isolation. There are also groups in the United States and across Europe developing similar ideas, and we maintain strong connections with them.”

Challenges and opportunities in the market

Despite the promise, Heck also sees clear challenges. “The biggest bottleneck is proving that it really works and ensuring that others adopt it. The pharmaceutical industry is innovative, but also conservative. We need to open doors and convince stakeholders that IgA is a valuable addition to existing IgG-based products.”

“We will conduct extensive functional testing of these antibodies,” he continues, “but we will aim to significantly reduce the use of animal models compared to current practices. We are investing in organ-on-chip and other advanced in vitro systems to study how these antibodies function, allowing us to minimize animal use as much as possible.”

He adds: “I’m not claiming we will change the world overnight, but if we can contribute, even in a small way, to reducing animal testing, that is already highly valuable. This is a key aspect of PHARMIGA: combining scientific progress with ethically responsible methods.”

Tips for future PharmaNL applicants

For researchers considering a PharmaNL application, Heck offers clear advice: “Step outside your comfort zone. These types of proposals require a combination of fundamental scientific expertise and a strong business perspective. We developed this proposal together with business-oriented colleagues, both within and outside the university, and in hindsight it was a very valuable learning experience. Start early and involve the right industry partners.”

A potential gamechanger

PHARMIGA not only promises new insights into antibody development, but also serves as an example of how PharmaNL’s SDI projects bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world application.

As Heck concludes: “If we can demonstrate within four years that IgA works and is practically applicable, we open the door to a new generation of antibodies. That could represent a major step forward for both research and therapeutic development. It truly has the potential to become a gamechanger for the entire industry.”

Want to learn more?

For more information about this project, please contact: info_pharmiga@uu.nl

Photo: The PHARMIGA team (from left to right): Jeanette Leusen (UMC Utrecht), Roos Masereeuw (Utrecht University), Gestur Vidarsson (Sanquin and Utrecht University), Albert Heck (Utrecht University), and Enrico Mastrobattista (Utrecht University).