Willem Birkhoff and Maurits Vissers succesfully defend their PhD thesis

A great week for science! On the 20th of June Willem Birkhoff successfully defended his PhD thesis, and on the 21th of June Maurits Vissers successfully defended his. 

Willem’s thesis explores the possibilities and impossibilities of measuring the microvasculature for pharmacodynamic outcomes of new interventions and medications, and highlights the need for further research to develop effective interventions targeting microcirculation. Assessing the microcirculation is challenging due to spatially heterogeneous structure and variability in perfusion over time and under different conditions. The thesis aims to evaluate standardized and new techniques for investigating microcirculation, including laser speckle contrast imaging, retinal function imager and hyperspectral imaging. Read the full thesis here.

Maurits' thesis emphasizes on the importance of using pharmacodynamic biomarkers in early phase clinical pharmacology studies. These biomarkers play a crucial role in selecting the best drug candidates, optimizing trial designs, and guiding decisions in late-stage development. By leveraging these biomarkers, it is possible to maximize clinical benefits, enhance overall drug development success, and ensure ethical trial initiation.

He further explains the significance of understanding the relationship between pharmacologically active and safe therapeutic doses. Through the case study of a RIPK1 inhibitor, SAR443060, he highlights the importance of target engagement biomarkers in determining adequate dose levels for potential clinical efficacy. Read the full thesis here.