Assen, Oss and Leiden, the Netherlands, June 10, 2026 – Over the last 15 years, Ardena and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) have combined GLP-accredited bioanalytical capabilities with clinical pharmacology expertise to support early phase drug development programs where speed, sample integrity and scientific precision are critical.
Working across CHDR’s early clinical development operations in Leiden and Ardena’s bioanalytical laboratories in Assen and Oss, the two organizations have established a streamlined collaboration model designed to move rapidly from sample collection to reliable data. Integrated sample logistics, aligned study planning and coordinated reporting allow teams to generate results within three days of collection, with fresh sample analysis possible on the day samples are collected.
This approach is particularly relevant for studies involving time-sensitive biomarkers, narrow sample stability windows or complex pharmacodynamic readouts. By aligning clinical study design with assay requirements early in the process, CHDR and Ardena help clients generate data that drives informed decision making during the key transition from preclinical research to clinical development.
The value of this model is demonstrated by an ongoing program with Vanqua Bio, a Chicago-based clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing next-generation medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Vanqua partnered with CHDR and Ardena on their phase 1 study of VQ-101, an orally administered, brain-penetrant, allosteric activator of GCase. The primary pharmacodynamic readout for this study was lysosomal GCase activity in live cells from peripheral blood. CHDR and Ardena’s harmonized logistics enabled daily delivery of samples to Ardena for rapid flow cytometry analysis within narrow stability windows. Data generated through the study has helped Vanqua continue the development of VQ-101 as it progresses through the next clinical phase.
“The partnership between Ardena and CHDR has been critical to the conduct of our Phase 1 study.” said Jim Sullivan, CEO of Vanqua Bio, “Their scientific rigor and coordination on study logistics have enabled us to generate high quality pharmacodynamic data to advance our program”.
CHDR’s Phase 0 and Phase 1/1b studies provide early insights into biomarkers, pharmacology, biology and clinical response. Through healthy volunteer challenge studies using proprietary methodology, as well as access to disease pathologies through a broad clinical network, CHDR helps clients bridge the transition from preclinical research to early clinical evidence.
“Our collaboration with Ardena reflects how closely clinical pharmacology and bioanalysis need to work together in early phase development,” said Geert Jan Groeneveld, CEO of CHDR. “By operating as one coordinated team, we enable efficient studies and generate high-quality data that supports informed decision making.”
Ardena’s GLP facilities in Assen and Oss support regulated bioanalysis across preclinical and clinical development. With platforms including LC-MS/MS, flow cytometry and ligand binding assays, Ardena’s scientific teams establish fit-for-purpose PK, immunogenicity and biomarker assays for complex early phase programs.
“Bioanalytical data can play a decisive role in early clinical development, particularly when needed to be generated quickly and reliably.” added Jeremie Trochu, CEO of Ardena. “Our longstanding partnership with CHDR, allows Ardena to deliver results in as little as three days from collection, helping our joint clients expedite dose escalation and accelerate timelines.”
Together, Ardena and CHDR continue to support early phase programs where clinical pharmacology, biomarker strategy and regulated bioanalysis need to work in close alignment. The 15-year collaboration provides clients with a practical, integrated route to reliable data at the point where development decisions matter most.
About Ardena
Ardena is a specialist pharmaceutical CDMO and bioanalytical CRO dedicated to advancing precision medicines. With integrated services spanning nanomedicine development and manufacturing, drug conjugation, drug product development and manufacturing, solid-state chemistry, bioanalytical services and CMC regulatory support, Ardena helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies progress complex molecules from early development through to clinical and commercial supply.
Ardena’s bioanalytical services support preclinical and clinical programs with regulated assay development and sample analysis across a broad range of modalities. Its GLP-accredited laboratories in Assen and Oss, together with its recently opened laboratory in Somerset, New Jersey, provide specialist expertise in LC-MS/MS, ligand binding assays, flow cytometry, immunogenicity and biomarker analysis.
For more information, visit: www.ardena.com
About CHDR
The Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) is an independent institute specialized in early clinical drug development. Based in Leiden, the Netherlands, CHDR supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies with Phase 0 and Phase 1/1b studies designed to generate early insights into biomarkers, pharmacology, biology and clinical response.
CHDR combines clinical pharmacology expertise, innovative study designs and access to healthy volunteer and patient populations to help bridge the transition from preclinical research to clinical development.
For more information, visit: www.chdr.nl
About Vanqua Bio
Vanqua Bio is a Chicago-based clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing next-generation medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The company is advancing therapeutic candidates designed to target key biological pathways involved in neurodegeneration, including programs focused on restoring lysosomal function.
Its lead clinical program, VQ-101, is an orally administered, brain-penetrant, allosteric activator of GCase being developed for neurodegenerative diseases associated with GCase dysfunction.
For more information, visit: www.vanquabio.com
