Interview with iCNS Researchers in Chemie Magazine

27 June 2025

In a recent interview in Chemie Magazine of the Koninklijke Vereniging van de Nederlandse Chemische Industrie (VNCI), iCNS' Mario van der Stelt, Kim Bonger and Sander van Kasteren discuss how chemical biology is revolutionizing drug development. 

Leiden has become a hub for applying chemistry in biology and drug research, evidenced by significant grants and contributions from various national funds, including the iCNS Gravitation Grant. Mario van der Stelt mentions, "In eight to ten years, we have created a large network in Leiden encompassing all disciplines that can contribute to early drug discovery & development." 

Kim Bonger amongst others highlights the promise of PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras), which utilize the cell's own biology to eliminate target proteins, such as those produced by tumor cells. 

Sander van Kasteren, Professor of Molecular Immunology and WP4-leader, states; "As a chemical biologist, I seek questions that biologists cannot answer with their genetic or other techniques; chemistry can then provide solutions."

Find the full edition 3 (2025) of Chemie Magazine on the website of VNCI, with the interview on page 54 (Dutch only): https://www.vnci.nl/chemie-magazine.

The interview is also available as a web article (Dutch only): https://www.vnci.nl/chemie-magazine/actueel/artikel/klikchemie-brengt-geneesmiddelenonderzoek-op-nieuwe-ideeen.