AVIGI Therapeutics is honored to welcome Prof. Dr. Johan van der Vlag, a distinguished Professor of Experimental Nephrology, Immunology of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation at Radboud University Medical Center, to its advisory team. Prof. van der Vlag brings a wealth of expertise in nephrology, with a profound research focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying glomerular diseases, particularly the role of heparan sulfate and the enzyme heparanase in kidney disease.
His extensive research, underscored by numerous high-impact publications, has been pivotal in elucidating the critical role of heparanase in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases including Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Dr. van der Vlag's work has consistently highlighted heparanase as a key driver of proteinuria and renal failure, making it a prime therapeutic target. His deep understanding of the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx and its degradation in kidney diseases aligns seamlessly with AVIGI's mission to advance VL166, a first-in-class covalent heparanase inhibitor.
Dr. van der Vlag's guidance will be invaluable as AVIGI Therapeutics progresses VL166 through preclinical and clinical development in nephrology.
Dr. Vincent Lit commented: "Johan's appointment underscores AVIGI's commitment to a science-driven strategy in developing novel treatments for patients suffering from kidney diseases."
About AVIGI Therapeutics
AVIGI is a Leiden University spinout dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape of untreatable disease. Founded by scientists and drug developers who are rethinking conventional drug design, AVIGI combines deep scientific insight and advanced chemistry to create innovative pioneering treatment technologies.