ADVANCING PRECLINICAL DRUGDEVELOPMENT
Drug development for brain disorders remains a huge challenge. At Neurospector, we are at the forefront of drug development through cutting-edge research by combining predictive human neuron disease models with advanced read-outs of neuronal functioning. Our platform bridges the gap between molecular targets and neuronal function, enabling data-driven evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in human-relevant systems. Our mission is to harness the power of translational neuroscience to test new treatments for brain disorders and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide.
Neurospector
Preclinical neuroscience research
Neurospector advances drug development for neurological disorders through functional testing in patient-derived iPSC neuron models. Building on more than 25 years of expertise in synaptic biology and disease mechanisms, we deliver deep mechanistic insight into pathology and quantitative assessment of compound efficacy in diease-relevant human in vitro systems. Located within Amsterdam’s leading academic and clinical research ecosystem, we combine state-of-the-art human neuron models with scalable, high-content technology to measure over 90 functional parameters of neuronal activity across network, cellular and synaptic levels.
Our extensively characterized disease models enable rapid, reproducible evaluation of therapeutic strategies. By bridging academic discovery with industry-driven development, we accelerate preclinical research and help bring effective treatments closer to patients.
Human Neuronal disease models
Discover our disease models
Neuro developmental disorders
We offer an extensive library of synaptopathy and genetic epilepsy iPSC lines. Our excitatory and inhibitory iNeurons with functional assays deliver reliable, high‑quality preclinical efficacy insights.
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Motor Neuron diseases
Our human motor neuron-muscle co-culture platform models neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and key ALS-associated phenotypes, enabling quantitative investigation of disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in human-relevant systems.
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Neuro degenerative diseases
Leveraging extensive expertise in Parkinson’s disease biology and human dopaminergic neuron systems, we provide validated human neuron models and functional assays that uncover neurodegenerative mechanisms and enable robust preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
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Other Neurological disorders
Our platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools for studying Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. At Neurospector, we maintain an extensive collection of validated, patient-derived iPSCs and possess deep expertise in generating custom disease models using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
Read more »
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Neuro developmental disorders
We offer an extensive library of synaptopathy and genetic epilepsy iPSC lines. Our excitatory and inhibitory iNeurons with functional assays deliver reliable, high‑quality preclinical efficacy insights.
Read more »
-
Motor Neuron diseases
Our human motor neuron-muscle co-culture platform models neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and key ALS-associated phenotypes, enabling quantitative investigation of disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in human-relevant systems.
Read more »
-
Neuro degenerative diseases
Leveraging extensive expertise in Parkinson’s disease biology and human dopaminergic neuron systems, we provide validated human neuron models and functional assays that uncover neurodegenerative mechanisms and enable robust preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
Read more »
Neuro developmental disorders
We offer an extensive library of synaptopathy and genetic epilepsy iPSC lines. Our excitatory and inhibitory iNeurons with functional assays deliver reliable, high‑quality preclinical efficacy insights.
Read more »
Motor Neuron diseases
Our human motor neuron-muscle co-culture platform models neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and key ALS-associated phenotypes, enabling quantitative investigation of disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in human-relevant systems.
Read more »
Neuro degenerative diseases
Leveraging extensive expertise in Parkinson’s disease biology and human dopaminergic neuron systems, we provide validated human neuron models and functional assays that uncover neurodegenerative mechanisms and enable robust preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
Read more »
Other Neurological disorders
Our platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools for studying Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. At Neurospector, we maintain an extensive collection of validated, patient-derived iPSCs and possess deep expertise in generating custom disease models using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
Read more »
Our approach
Connecting Academia and Industry
OPEN THE DIALOGUE
Start the conversation early to define your needs and unlock the benefits of partnering with our academic expertise from the start.
MAP THE JOURNEY
Our scientists develop a detailed experimental roadmap, designed to match your goals, timelines, and key milestones.
DELIVER ON TIME
Through transparent communication and optimized assays, we ensure timely delivery of results, keeping your development process on track.
TAILORED SUPPORT
We provide scalable solutions tailored to your research questions and project pipeline needs.
News
Discover our latest projects
Neurospector joins European consortium to advance drug repurposing for rare neurological disorders
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Valorization award for Neurospector team
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Prof. Dr. Matthijs Verhage Honored with the 2025 Innovative Research Award
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Queen Máxima opens ADORE Research building with spotlight on Neurospector
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Publications
Discover our latest publications
van Voorst TW, van Boven MA, Marinus KI, Colón-Mercado JM, Schretzmeir J, Haag C, Toonen RF, Koopmans F, Ward ME, Smit AB, van Kesteren RE, Verhage M, Cornelisse LN.
One-step induction of human GABAergic neurons promotes presynaptic development & synapse maturation.
bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Nov 30:2025.06.30.662293.
doi: 10.1101/2025.06.30.662293.
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van Berkel AA, Lammertse HCA, Öttl M, Koopmans F, Misra-Isrie M, Meijer M, Dilena R, van Hasselt PM, Engelen M, van Haelst M, Smit AB, van der Sluis S, Toonen RF, Verhage M.
Reduced MUNC18-1 Levels, Synaptic Proteome Changes, and Altered Network Activity in STXBP1-Related Disorder Patient Neurons.
Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci. 2023 May 30;4(1):284-298.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.05.004.
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