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 using predictive human neuron disease models and advanced read-outs of neuronal functioning. 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 drives innovation in drug development for neurological disorders through advanced testing on patient IPSC-derived neurons. With over 25 years of expertise in neuronal function and disease mechanisms, we provide deep insights into disease pathology and compound effects in relevant human in vitro models. Based in Amsterdam’s vibrant academic and clinical research hub, we combine cutting-edge human neuron models with scalable technology to assess more than 90 functional parameters of neuronal activity.

Our extensively characterized disease models enable rapid, reliable evaluation of new treatment strategies, bridging academia and industry to accelerate preclinical research and bring effective therapies closer to patients.

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DISCOVER OUR DISEASE MODELS » DISEASE MODELS Our solutions We specialize in IPSC-derived patient neurons and gene-edited human disease models, delivering predictive in vitro platforms for drug discovery. Our rigorously validated models ensure reliability and accuracy, supported by extensive patient-derived IPSC collections, advanced customized gene-editing capabilities and diverse differentiation protocols tailored to disease areas. We also provide co-culture systems with astrocytes or human muscle, offering physiologically relevant solutions. Every culture undergoes strict quality control to guarantee healthy, functionally mature human neurons for your research.
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CRO SERVICES Our solutions With over two decades of expertise, we specialize in analyzing neuronal function and communication in health and disease. Our advanced functional assays, from live microscopy and electrophysiology to molecular measurements and customized solutions, enable the assessment of more than 90 functional parameters across neuronal networks, single neurons, and synapses. This comprehensive approach delivers deep insights into disease pathology and compound effects in patient IPSC-derived neurons. DISCOVER MORE »

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.

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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 »

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.

Expertise

By Neurospector

News

Discover our latest projects

  • 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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  • Ruud Toonen installed as Professor of Neuroscience and Knowledge Utilization

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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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