Oncode researchers gain access to Organoid technology thanks to collaboration with KNAW

Growing and researching organoids is a technology developed by Oncode researcher Hans Clevers. Clevers works – among others – at the Hubrecht Institute (KNAW) and the UMC Utrecht and is a professor at Utrecht University. The KNAW manages the licenses for the use of this technology together with UMC Utrecht. For the quality of cancer research, it is a unique step that unlimited research for academic purposes is now possible. The use of organoids allows researchers to analyze tumor growth with limited amounts of tissue from patients, to investigate genetic instability and to test new drug combinations.

Angus Livingstone, Valorization Director at Oncode Institute, says: “We are particularly proud that all researchers that are part of Oncode Institute now have unlimited access to this promising technology. An important goal of Oncode is to bring research results from the lab to patients faster. This agreement with KNAW is a good example of how we make this possible.”

Mieke Zaanen, Managing Director of the KNAW, adds: “Fantastic research is being done within the national research institutes of the KNAW, which often leads to results that have a great impact. Thanks to Oncode Institute, this technology is now becoming more widely available which can make a difference for large and small groups of patients.”

Arno Hoes, vice-chair of the executive board of UMC Utrecht and dean of the medicine faculty: “We think it is very important that this technology developed in Utrecht is widely used and we are pleased with this agreement.”

Cancer researchers who are not affiliated with Oncode that are interested to use this technology can contact KNAW.

Banner image: Intestinal organic with in green cells that regulate the immune system, and in red entire organoid. Credit Joep Beumer, copyright Hubrecht Institute