DARE-NL set-up
The Dutch infrastructure for cancer-specific ATMP Research (DARE-NL) is a unique partnership between all academic developers of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) in the Netherlands. ATMPs are the next revolution in medicine promising a leap in survival, quality of life and cure for cancer patients. Although many novel ATMPs are under development in academic centers, the steps toward market approval and clinical application are complex and do not fit the traditional frameworks. The overarching goal of DARE-NL is to accelerate clinical testing of novel ATMPs for cancer patients to ensure timely and sustainable access to potentially curative treatment options for cancer patients. To reach this goal, DARE-NL was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) to establish a national infrastructure and connect all relevant stakeholders (e.g. scientists, clinicians, pharmacists, regulatory agencies, patient advocates) in the ATMP development cycle. Specifically, DARE-NL centralizes knowledge, harmonizes protocols, develops raw materials, biologics, assays and technologies, and facilitates implementation and patient outreach by:
DARE-NL is a unique collaborative effort between all Dutch university medical centers, NKI-AVL, Princess Máxima Center, Sanquin and Utrecht University. The management team comprises project leaders Trudy Straetemans (UMC Utrecht), Harry Dolstra (Radboudumc), Edwin Bremer (UMC Groningen) and Inge Jedema (NKI-AVL).
The steering committee comprises representative renowned translational tumor immunologists and ATMP developers from all 11 centers. A Scientific Advisory Board with international renowned and leading scientists provides external advice on direction and progress of DARE-NL. DARE-NL is further supported by a Patient Advisory Board comprising representatives of Hematon, the Nederlandse Federatie van Kankerpatienten, Vereniging Kinderkanker Nederland and Stichting Melanoom.
DARE-NL is supported by a large team of scientists, pharmacists, clinicians, regulatory science, health economic and IP/business development experts from all member institutes in the different work packages. Many ATMP working groups, agencies, consortia, platforms and networks are represented or consulted by DARE-NL members. The combined expertise in academic development and production of ATMPs is crucial for DARE-NL to be successful.
We invite you to reach out if you would like to be involved in the DARE-NL infrastructure.