Myriagon wins Venture Challenge Fall 2025!
The winner of the Venture Challenge Fall 2025 was announced today at the Dutch Life Sciences Conference. We are proud to share that Myriagon has been selected as this year’s winner!
Myriagon is developing a completely novel class of analgesics to help patients suffering from neuropathic pain, in particular chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain — a debilitating and often dose-limiting side effect of cancer treatment. Current off-label therapies have limited effect and frequently cause sedation, tolerance, or dependence. Myriagon’s first-in-class peripherally restricted MAGL inhibitors show strong pain-reducing effects in preclinical models without affecting the central nervous system.
A clear and unanimous jury decision
The jury — comprised of Carine van den Brink (Axon Lawyers), Geert-Jan Mulder (Forbion), Thom Frielink (Curie Capital), Eric van der Aa (Pivot Park) and Bert-Jan Haijema (3DPharmXchange) — was highly impressed by Myriagon’s work.
They praised the team’s strong scientific rationale, clear understanding of clinical need, and compelling pitch. The jury also highlighted the team’s long-term vision and the significant unmet need they are addressing, with millions of patients worldwide affected by neuropathic pain with limited effective treatment options.
About Myriagon
Myriagon is led by Mirjam Huizenga and Wouter Driever, who are developing next-generation pain therapeutics designed to be more effective and safer than existing treatments. Their approach aims to radically improve the quality of life for patients living with neuropathic pain.
“The Venture Challenge connected us with many entrepreneurs and provided valuable input to strengthen our business case and jumpstart our mission to bring our discovery closer to patients.”
— The Myriagon Team
The Venture Challenge Fall 2025 started in September. Today, at the Dutch Life Sciences Conference, Myriagon takes home €25,000 to invest in their continued development and next steps toward clinical validation.
For questions about Myriagon, please contact Mirjam Huizenga or Wouter Driever.
The other highly motivated participating teams were:
Immunara — directing immunity for better patient outcomes
Hendrik Brink, Pieter Slijkerman, Alsya Affandi, Gert Scheper
Biosonics — using “the GFP for ultrasound” to reveal cells deep inside the body
Rick Waasdorp, Rosalie Driessen, Gijs Langkamp
CytoBas — illuminating allergy with functional precision
Hessel van der Weide, Sayuri Iwasaki, Menno van Zelm
Constellate Proteomics — see the future of your cell line in a single droplet
Dennis de Beeld, Carlos de Lannoy, Arian Khoshchin
NuNa Bioscience — empowering life through nutrient release
Melvin Gurian, Marjo Nieuwenhuijse, Willem Jan Krebber
About the Venture Challenge
Participating in the Venture Challenge gives early-stage life sciences teams a clear venture plan and an investor-ready pitch. The LifeSciences@Work Venture Challenge, powered by Health~Holland, helps teams transform their scientific breakthroughs into viable business propositions. Our specialised coaching guides teams through customer validation, risk assessment, business modelling and pitch development through bootcamps and 1-on-1 mentoring. LifeSciences@Work is the national programme for high-potential life sciences start-ups, powered by Health~Holland | Topsector Life Sciences & Health.
Want to join the next Venture Challenge?
The call for the Venture Challenge Spring 2026 opens on 1 January.
Apply via NWO.
More information: https://www.lifesciencesatwork.nl
