Mair Therapeutics & Radboud University Collaborate on Parkinson’s Disease Research

Dutch Biotech Mair Therapeutics, Radboud university Partner to Target Parkinson’s Disease at Cellular Level

A new scientific collaboration aims to accelerate the development of therapies for Parkinson’s disease by focusing on the critical role of lysosomes — the cells’ waste disposal systems — in the disease’s progression.

Nijmegen, The Netherlands — January 26, 2026 — Mair Therapeutics, a Dutch biotechnology company specializing in lysosomal-targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced a research partnership with Radboud University to expedite the revelation of small-molecule compounds that activate TMEM175, a lysosomal ion channel with a known genetic link to Parkinson’s disease.

did you know?— Lysosomes are organelles responsible for breaking down and removing waste materials from cells. Dysfunction in this process is increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

The collaboration centers on understanding and enhancing the function of TMEM175, which plays a vital role in lysosomal homeostasis. This process is essential for clearing out damaged proteins, such as alpha-synuclein, a key culprit in the development of Parkinson’s. Research indicates that disruptions in TMEM175 function can increase the risk of Parkinson’s, while certain genetic variations offer protection against the disease. Mair Therapeutics’ drug discovery platform is designed to identify molecules that boost TMEM175 activity and restore proper lysosomal function.

Pro tip— Targeting TMEM175 offers a potential therapeutic strategy because activating this ion channel may improve the cell’s ability to clear toxic protein buildup.

Under the terms of the agreement, the laboratory of Dr. Marijn Kuijpers at the Donders centre for Neuroscience,Faculty of Science,radboud University,will evaluate a range of TMEM175-focused compounds created by Mair Therapeutics. These compounds will undergo rigorous testing using human neuron models — both those derived from Parkinson’s patients and healthy donor cells — with a focus on assessing lysosomal pH regulation and degradation capacity, two functions frequently impaired in Parkinson’s disease.

“Parkinson’s disease remains one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time, and targeting lysosomal dysfunction offers a promising path forward,†stated a company release attributed to Dr. vasily Kazey, CEO of Mair Therapeutics.“we are excited to collaborate with Radboud University, whose deep expertise in neuronal biology and Parkinson’s research will be instrumental in validating our therapeutic approach.â€

Reader question— what makes this collaboration unique? The focus on human neuron models, including cells from Parkinson’s patients, allows for more relevant and translatable research findings.

The partnership highlights mair Therapeutics’ dedication to fostering collaborations within the thriving neuroscience and innovation ecosystem of the East Netherlands.The company recently launched with financial backing from Torrey Pines Investment and oost NL and is strategically located in Nijmegen, a recognized center for Parkinson’s research and home to a leading expertise center led by Prof. Dr. Bas bloem at Radboudumc.

Mair Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative,first-in-class small-molecule therapeutics that target lysosomal ion channels in neurodegenerative diseases,with its primary focus currently on TMEM175 agonists for Parkinson’s disease. Radboud University is a leading academic institution in the Netherlands, renowned for its excellence in life sciences and neuroscience. The kuijpers Lab specializes in understanding how cellular components move within neurons, with a particular emphasis on lysosomal biology and modeling neurodegenerative diseases.

For more facts on mair Therapeutics, visit www.mairtx.com. Further details on Radboud university and the Kuijpers Lab can be found at www.kuijperslab.com. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].