Hans Clevers wins important international award

Prof.dr. Hans Clevers receives the prestigious Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for his Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research in the field of mini-organs. Clevers is recognised worldwide as one of the foremost experts in stem cells. Stem cells are cells found in every organ. They ensure that organs regenerate and continue functioning properly. Clevers' research subsequently led to the groundbreaking discovery of mini-organs, also known as organoids.

Organoids and tissue repair

Organoids not only play an essential role in cancer research, but also in tissue repair research. This is why a consortium of top international researchers, initiated by Lung Foundation Netherlands and led by Hans Clevers, is working on the mini-lung.. Research is now focused on developing an organoid of the alveoli.

Lung disease

There is currently no treatment available for people with lung diseases such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and Alpha-1. Over time, people suffering from any of these lung diseases find it increasingly difficult to breathe until they finally cannot breathe at all. The healthcare costs for people with COPD in the Netherlands alone amount to almost 912 million euros per year. By 2030, the WHO expects that COPD will be the third leading cause of human deaths. The development of the mini-lung offers hope to people suffering from damaged lung tissue.