Smarter Development, Better Outcomes
How can we better harness the potential of nanomedicine? That’s exactly the mission of Nanoworx, a newly established Contract Research Organization (CRO). Since receiving PharmaNL funding through ZonMw in autumn 2024, Nanoworx has been building automated nanomedicine libraries and using advanced screening techniques to select the formulations with the most promising clinical profiles. The initiative is a strategic collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Pivot Park, and Trained Therapeutix Discovery.
“Traditionally, nanomedicines often go straight into scale-up and GMP production without prior optimization,” explains Willem Mulder, Professor of Precision Medicine at Radboudumc and TU/e, and a driving force behind Nanoworx. “But that approach frequently leads to suboptimal performance. Our aim is to rethink that process and make it smarter.”
Nanoworx is developing an advanced screening service to optimize the composition of nanoparticles before the scale-up process begins. “This approach allows us to deliver significantly better results for our clients,” adds Anna-Maria Makri-Pistikou, COO of Nanoworx. “It’s a crucial step that’s often overlooked.”
Fast Start, Solid Foundation
Since its launch, the Nanoworx team has made impressive strides. The lab is now fully operational, and two types of nanoparticle technologies have already been validated by the team, ready to be offered reliably to clients. “In a short time, we’ve built a solid business case, acquired and validated all the necessary equipment, and are actively engaging in both commercial and academic partnerships,” says Mulder.
Data: Both Opportunity and Challenge
Nanoworx’s innovative approach is based on high-throughput screening, which produces vast volumes of data in a short time. This offers great potential, but also brings challenges. “To manage this data efficiently and reliably, we’ve developed our own data management systems, fully aligned with the high standards of the biotech sector,” explains Makri-Pistikou.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Expansion
What’s next for Nanoworx? The focus for the coming months is growth, says Mulder. “We’re ahead of schedule. In fact, we’ve already completed our first commercial assignment successfully,” he notes. “Our next steps include expanding our team, validating new types of nanoparticles, and developing a service for in vitro characterization.”
Keys to Success: Clarity, Alignment, and Agility
One key takeaway from the Nanoworx project is the importance of clear communication and alignment with partners. “You can have different views on how a project should be run, but clear communication and mutual understanding make success much more likely,” says Makri-Pistikou.
Equally valuable, the team says, was the detailed business case developed at the outset. Not only did it lay the foundation for a fast start, it’s also proving vital during execution. “It helps us recognize when we need to pivot or adjust our direction,” says Makri-Pistikou. “Because we clearly defined our goals from the beginning, we can quickly assess whether we’re on track and make timely adjustments when needed.”
Diversity as a Strength
Finally, the team highlights a powerful yet sometimes underestimated asset: diversity. “At Nanoworx, we work with a team that’s not only diverse in expertise, but also in personalities and work styles,” says Makri-Pistikou. “It’s exactly those different perspectives and approaches that strengthen us. We’re able to achieve better results, faster, than if we all thought or worked the same way. It makes our work dynamic and impactful.”
Want to know more about Nanoworx? Please check their website or read more at PharmaNL.
News June 25, 2025 