Orfenix combines the symbolism of the phoenix, renewal, transformation, and the concept of an orphan drug, focus on rare diseases. It represents a company committed to innovative, responsible drug development, inspired by Orpheus’ healing and artistry.

At Orfenix, we transform existing compounds into new, affordable therapies.

Our subject matter experts collaborate with leading academics and partners to bring innovative treatments from the lab to the patient.

Each project brings together the best minds, ensuring we address every challenge with expertise and passion.

Our specialized, agile team stays cost-efficient and responsive, driving forward life-changing projects.

We believe in making treatments accessible to all, adhering to principles of social responsibility and equity.

Vincent van der Wel

Founder & Director

Ivo de Nooijer

Partner & Director

Meet the Orfenix team —driven by a passion for responsible, innovative treatments for rare diseases.

Hellen Houlleberghs

Clinical Development Director

Barbara van den Aarsen

Director of Clinical Operations
& Regulatory

Willemijn Heinen

Graduate Intern

At Orfenix, we prioritize Collaboration, partnering with top academics, investors, and companies to bring innovative treatments from the lab to patients. By Repurposing existing compounds, we find new uses that address specific patient needs, while our commitment to Sustainable Development minimizes waste and reduces costs. We ensure Equitable Access through socially responsible licensing, and value Transparency and Trust in all operations, building strong relationships with patients and partners.

Do you want to make an impact on patients’ lives?

At Orfenix, you work with top professionals and collaborate with leading experts to bring forgotten treatments from the lab to patients.

If you’re passionate about transforming healthcare and thrive in a transparent, trust-driven environment, Orfenix is the place for you.

 

Vincent van der Wel

Vincent holds degrees in Medicine, Business Studies, and Health Economics. This mix gives Vincent a good understanding of the clinical impact of treatments on clinicians and patients and the economic impact of drug development on payers, shareholders, and investors. 

As the founder of Orfenix, Vincent has contributed to the incorporation and funding of three public-private partnerships currently developing treatments for rare diseases. Additionally, Vincent has supported over 15 projects advancing drug development within the academic community.

Vincent works closely with academic initiatives to advance academic drug development, such as the platform Medicine for Society and the national hub for drug repurposing and rare disease Rare-NL.

Vincent actively contributes to scientific research on public-private partnerships, developing orphan medicine and pricing. At the Amsterdam UMC, he supports PhD students in executing drug development projects and their research. 

Vincent holds several certificates in regulatory affairs and clinical development. He has hands-on experience with regulatory interactions at national and European levels. Vincent has obtained orphan designations and worked on multiple scientific advice and protocol assistance procedures. 

Ivo de Nooijer

Ivo has a biopharmaceutical sciences, Dutch law, and medical history degree. He is completing his PhD thesis, which investigates negotiations in early-stage licensing in the Netherlands' life sciences and health sector.

Ivo has worked in an international commercial setting, within Unilever, and as a lawyer in private practice in Amsterdam, focused on intellectual property and commercial contracts, both in the context of litigation and transactions.

Ivo has an extensive network in the Netherlands university technology transfer sector. He headed up the Leiden tech transfer office and worked in Utrecht and Rotterdam in a similar role. In addition, he advised companies and charities engaged in early-stage development in the life sciences and health sector.

Ivo was one of the drivers in creating and evolving the Socially Responsible licensing principles from 2019 and the subsequently developed tools and guidelines.

Ivo developed the Biotech Booster on behalf of several companies and the collective universities and academic medical centres, as well as advising the collective universities and academic medical centres on a wide array of university technology transfer-related issues and challenges.

Hellen Houlleberghs

Hellen has an international academic background with a BSc in Medical Biochemistry from King's College, University of London, an MSc in Biomedical Sciences and Management from the University of Leiden, and a PhD in oncology from the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

Hellen has worked on primary as well as applied research, with a PhD that focused on the development and diagnostic use of a genetic screen for the identification of subjects at risk of developing hereditary colorectal cancer.

Hellen has nearly a decade of experience in clinical operations, working on both the industry's Sponsor and Clinical Research Organization sides.

Hellen has managed global phase I to III trials in various indications, including rare diseases, for small and large pharmaceutical companies.

Hellen is a proactive, creative problem solver and enthusiastic, collaborative, methodological clinical operations professional who is driven to achieve the best possible result.

Barbara van den Aarsen

Barbara has studied Biochemistry and obtained her Master's degree at Leiden University.

Barbara started her career in a niche CRO focusing on large cardiovascular clinical trials, where she held several roles, including CRA, CRM, and Project Manager.

After 10 years, Barbara switched to managing multidisciplinary teams that executed small, complex clinical trials in Rare Diseases, both at Sponsors and CROs.

Barbara has experience managing several central (imaging) labs, setting up eCRFs, submitting scientific advice requests, writing medical documents for CSR and safety documentation, and conducting Statistical Analysis and DSMB activities.

Besides Project Management, Barbara has always been interested in Line Management in the biopharmaceutical industry and has acted as a Line Manager, coach for newcomers, and confidential counselor.