QurAlis Opens European Headquarters in the Netherlands to Advance Biotech R&D Manufacturing

The U.S.-based company will harness Dutch expertise in Leiden to revolutionize patient care with innovative neurodegenerative therapies

Massachusetts-based QurAlis is expanding to the Netherlands with a new European headquarters in Leiden. QurAlis, a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, is dedicated to developing precision medicines for neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Committed to making a global impact, QurAlis and the Dutch ecosystem are building a healthier world together through innovative biotechnological advancements.

“The expansion of our operations into Europe represents a new chapter for QurAlis, building upon the tremendous momentum of our organization,” said Kasper Roet, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of QurAlis. “In a short period of time, QurAlis has made significant progress with regulatory approvals for our clinical programs in the EU, Canada, and the UK. The successful completion of the quality systems inspection by the Dutch regulatory agency will allow us to directly leverage our world-class ASO manufacturing expertise and control our end-to-end production supply chain. With our new European headquarters, and the skilled talent network in Leiden and the region, we will further strengthen our position as we bring breakthrough precision medicines to patients with ALS, FTD, and other neurodegenerative diseases.” 

Joining a global life sciences ecosystem from the Netherlands 

As the most common form of motor neuron disease, ALS presents many challenges. However, QurAlis is emerging as a leader in developing cutting-edge therapies to address this pressing medical need.  

QurAlis’ decision to set up shop in Leiden is no coincidence. The city – located between The Hague and Amsterdam – is renowned for its emphasis on life sciences and medical R&D. This vibrant Dutch ecosystem supports the company’s commitment to ensuring a streamlined process from discovery to production. This is a crucial aspect in the fast-paced world of biotechnology. 

“QurAlis’ new location in Leiden is designed to not just meet our current needs, but also to scale with our business as we continue to grow,” explained Hagen Cramer, Ph.D., chief technology officer of QurAlis. “Our new European headquarters will allow us to release ASOs and other products into the European market for our programs so that we can deliver innovative solutions and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.”

A forward-looking vision

The company’s Leiden location will also serve as a hub to coordinate clinical trials in the Netherlands and other European countries. In fact, two of QurAlis’ therapeutic products are in clinical trials. Meanwhile, the company recently received authorization from the European Union (EU) to test one of its lead products in clinical trials in Europe. QurAlis also closed $88 million in Series B financing to advance precision medicines for neurodegenerative diseases.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to contribute to QurAlis’s international expansion and support the company’s goal of curing ALS worldwide,” said Jacqueline Weber, Head of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) in New York. “NFIA is committed to continuing our partnership and supporting these remarkable advancements in ALS.”

From the Netherlands, QurAlis will advance its pipeline of therapies that target specific components of ALS pathology and defined ALS patient populations based on both disease-causing genetic mutations and clinical biomarkers. The company’s unique approach is promising in potentially slowing down this disease or even stopping it. This coincides with the Netherlands growing track record in the field of ALS. Thanks to innovative approaches and proprietary technologies, QurAlis is advancing research and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients globally.

Source: QurAlis

17 January 2024