Dutch Biotech Company Secures €1.3 Million to Make Arthritis Drug More Effective

2026-02-25 bio

Netherlands, Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Amplio Pharma uses an innovative approach that blocks cellular pumps to keep methotrexate inside inflammation cells longer, potentially revolutionizing treatment for millions of rheumatoid arthritis patients worldwide.

Breakthrough Technology Targets Cellular Drug Resistance

This funding announcement represents a significant advancement in the healthtech sector, specifically targeting a critical challenge in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Amplio Pharma has developed NovoBioJect, which addresses a fundamental problem with methotrexate, currently the most prescribed basic medication for rheumatoid arthritis worldwide [1]. The core issue lies in how quickly methotrexate is expelled from cells and tissues, preventing it from achieving optimal effectiveness [1]. The company’s innovative solution involves adding novobiocine, which acts as a cellular gatekeeper by temporarily slowing down the efflux pump in cells - essentially the ‘doorways’ through which methotrexate is normally pumped out [1]. This mechanism allows methotrexate to remain in inflammation cells longer, enabling it to work more powerfully at the site of disease [1].

Clinical Progress and Safety Milestones

Amplio Pharma has successfully completed essential preclinical studies and is currently conducting a Phase 1b clinical study with rheumatoid arthritis patients [1]. The interim analysis has yielded promising results, showing that NovoBioJect demonstrates safety in rheumatoid arthritis patients and results in robust plasma exposure levels [2]. The company has safely treated the first four patients in their Phase 1b trial [2][3], marking a crucial milestone in bringing this treatment to market. The raised capital will be specifically allocated to finance the ongoing Phase 1b study and prepare the Clinical Trial Application for the next, larger-scale patient study [1]. For patients interested in participating in the early Phase 1b research, the study is still recruiting participants [4].

Strategic Investment Consortium and Market Impact

The €1.3 million investment was led by a consortium of Dutch investors focused on life sciences innovation [1][7]. ROM InWest joined as both investor and board member, alongside existing investors Libertatis Ergo Holding B.V., Amsterdam Academic Ventures, and Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland in this seed round [2][7]. This represents ROM InWest’s first biotechnology investment [6], aligning with their focus on supporting Noord-Holland Life Sciences & Health enterprises with clear social impact [1][7]. The technology has potential applications beyond rheumatoid arthritis, targeting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including psoriasis and Crohn’s disease [1]. Amplio Pharma leverages the strong Amsterdam knowledge base around Amsterdam UMC while collaborating closely with the Leiden ecosystem to accelerate early clinical development [1].

Economic Benefits and Healthcare System Impact

The enhanced effectiveness of NovoBioJect could enable methotrexate to be prescribed at lower dosages while being effective for a larger patient population [1]. This improvement would significantly reduce patients’ experience of unpleasant side effects, enhancing their quality of life [1]. More critically, because more patients could remain successfully treated with methotrexate for longer periods without developing resistance, the costly transition to expensive combination therapies or biologics could be delayed [1][7]. This approach promises to dramatically reduce healthcare costs and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system [1]. The research collaboration involves Amsterdam UMC, Leiden University Medical Center, and Centre for Human Drug Research [3], demonstrating how this investment contributes to valorizing Dutch academic excellence into concrete patient care [1].

Bronnen

biotech funding rheumatoid arthritis