Researchers at VIB-UGent showed that llama antibodies can protect against COVID-19 in the lab. To further develop these antibodies into a drug, the start-up Exevir Bio was founded.

Diether Lambrechts and his team at VIB-KU Leuven study genetic mutations in solid tumors, including microsatellite instabilities (MSI). Through their research, they have identified seven new biomarkers for MSI that can be used for automated MSI testing. Biocartis has obtained the exclusive license for these biomarkers and has introduced the IdyllaTM MSI Assay. This technology assists doctors in making treatment decisions for patients with colorectal cancer.

VIB teamed up with the Belgian biotech company argenx to develop antibodies that can dissolve crystals in the airways of asthmatics.

Researchers at VIB have created oral antibodies through a yeast or soybean manufacturing process, making it easy to administer medication to animals. These antibodies have been shown to protect piglets from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection, providing a sustainable option to antibiotics in animal agriculture. This success has led to the establishment of the company Animab.

Plant science is one of the cornerstones of VIB research. In VIB's Center for Plant Systems Biology at Ghent University, scientists study the cellular mechanisms that orchestrate plant growth and responses to the environment. Together with research partners from Flanders and beyond, these innovative insights are developed into agricultural applications and technologies that benefit society.

VIB, in collaboration with Helena Biosciences, is set to commercialize a comprehensive blood test called Glyco Liver Profile for chronic liver diseases, a condition affecting up to 29 million people in the EU. This non-invasive test allows medical professionals to diagnose and monitor liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, providing an accurate and personalized alternative to invasive techniques.

The group of Jurgen Del Favero (VIB-UAntwerp) developed an algorithm for PCR multiplexing, allowing highly reproducible simultaneous PCR amplification of hundreds of amplicons in a single reaction. This technology led to the creation of Multiplicom, a biotech start-up focused on developing innovative genetic analysis tools, including a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for detecting birth defects early in pregnancy.

Medulloblastoma is a rare, life-threatening brain tumor that mainly affects children. Research carried out by Peter Carmeliet (VIB-KU Leuven) and colleagues provided the basis for a new potential drug: TB-403.

In 2017, Professor Verstrepen received support from AB InBev and other partners to establish a state-of-the-art experimental brewery in Kasteelpark Arenberg, Leuven. The brewery serves as a platform for his team to investigate the behavior of yeast cells in large beer vessels. By bridging the gap between the laboratory and industry, the brewery and fermenters enable the study and testing of new yeast varieties, which can be applied in commercial beer production.

In 1989, Professor Raymond Hamers' laboratory at VUB discovered a new type of antibody in the blood of a dromedary. This led to the development of single-domain antibodies known as VHHs or Nanobodies® by former VIB researcher Serge Muyldermans. These tiny antibody fragments have resulted in the establishment of five VIB spin-off companies, including Ablynx, Biotalys, Confo Therapeutics, ExeVir Bio, and Animab. These companies are exploring the potential of VHHs as therapeutics for human and livestock diseases, crop protection, and drug discovery. Ongoing research at VIB continues to contribute to technological innovations in the VHH field.

Nanopore sequencing is a technology that uses tiny pore proteins to determine the genetic code of DNA strands. The Han Remaut lab at VIB-VUB conducted groundbreaking research on the bacterial pore protein CsgG, which led to a successful collaboration with Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Together, they developed a sensing nanopore that is now integrated into the portable MinION® DNA sequencer. This technology provides several benefits across different research domains, such as cancer detection and genomic analysis of viral outbreaks.