NWO Take-off grant supports nanobody-based cancer vaccine innovation

Dr. Alsya Affandi, senior researcher at the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AI&I), has received a €50,000 NWO Take-off Phase 1 feasibility grant to explore the commercial potential of a nanobody-based cancer vaccine technology.

The Take-off grant supports early-stage feasibility studies that bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship. With this funding, Dr. Affandi and her team will assess the technical, clinical and commercial viability of translating their innovation into a future startup or spin-off.

Smarter vaccine delivery for cancer immunotherapy

While vaccines are highly effective against infectious diseases, their impact in cancer treatment has been limited. A key challenge lies in delivering vaccines directly to antigen-presenting cells — the immune system’s “teacher cells” that activate cancer-fighting T cells.

Dr. Affandi’s project focuses on a nanobody-based vaccine carrier designed to target these cells with high precision. By improving delivery to the immune system, the technology aims to trigger a stronger and more effective anti-cancer immune response, opening new possibilities for cancer immunotherapy.

“We believe vaccines have the potential to transform the future of cancer immunotherapy. With this nanobody platform, we aim to significantly improve vaccine effectiveness and clinical outcomes.”
— Dr. Alsya Affandi

The patent underlying this innovation was co-developed by Alsya Affandi, Hendrik Brink and Joke den Haan and will be further advanced with support from the NWO Take-off programme.

The Take-off grant marks an important step toward bringing this promising immunotherapy concept closer to real-world application and future patient impact.

Source: Amsterdam UMC