CHDR plays key role in national infectious diseases facility

‘During a pandemic, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, an independent research facility for infectious diseases is of critical importance’, says Dr Ingrid de Visser-Kamerling, Research Director of Infectious Diseases at CHDR. ‘A facility that is not linked to a hospital or a research institute can be optimally equipped for testing vaccines and treatments without putting patients or other study participants at risk. Beyond its role in pandemic response, the facility will also be used under regular non-pandemic circumstances. We will conduct research which will help to treat and contain infectious diseases and contribute to pandemic preparedness’. Once completed, the facility will include twenty BSL-3 isolation rooms, an outpatient unit, and a BSL-3 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory—making it one of the most advanced clinical infectious diseases research facilities in the world. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025.

InFECT-NL is a collaborative initiative involving the university medical centres of Leiden, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Nijmegen, and is facilitated by FAST (Centre for Future Affordable & Sustainable Therapy Development). The researchers and infectiologists at these university medical centres have broad expertise in the field of fundamental and applied research into a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and CHDR have specialised in viral and parasite controlled human infection models (CHIMs). InFECT-NL operates as an independent foundation, serving as a national hub for infectious disease research. The consortium also oversees the dedicated clinical research facility, INFECTA, a private limited company wholly owned by the InFECT-NL foundation. This structure ensures that revenues from future commercial activities will be reinvested into research initiatives with demonstrable societal impact. De Visser and her colleague at the LUMC, Prof. Meta Roestenberg, jointly manage INFECTA.

‘CHDR’s contribution to INFECTA is based on our expertise in early clinical drug development,’ says De Visser. ’Many of our standard operating procedures will be directly applicable for INFECTA. I’m especially grateful for the continued support from CHDR’s board. My appointment as Research Director has been pivotal in facilitating this collaboration between CHDR and INFECTA.’ Starting 1 January 2025, De Visser, previously Associate Research Director at CHDR, was promoted to Research Director. She was also appointed Chief Operating Officer of INFECTA.

‘In the years ahead, we will continue conducting infectious diseases research at CHDR, says De Visser. ‘It will take some time to complete the INFECTA clinical unit. Once operational, the controlled human infection studies will be transferred there. I’m especially looking forward to working closely with our colleagues in Nijmegen, Utrecht, and Amsterdam.’