Dutch innovators lead in cancer technology patents, but face growth challenges

Dutch inventors have made significant strides in developing cancer-fighting technologies, according to the European Patent Office (EPO). The country ranks third in the European Union and fifth in Europe for oncology-related patents between 2010 and 2021.

Over 2,300 international patent families, collections of patent applications submitted in multiple countries to protect the same invention, were published with Dutch origins during that period. These patents include a variety of innovations aimed at improving cancer treatment, detection, and prevention.

Despite the country's strength in patent production, the Netherlands ranks ninth in Europe for oncology-related start-ups, with 67 such companies—above the EU average of 48.9 start-ups per country. However, like many European nations, Dutch start-ups face challenges in scaling their innovations, according to the EPO.

“Europe’s thriving oncology start-ups are a beacon of hope, but they need the right investments and support to scale their inventions and ultimately save lives,” said António Campinos, president of the European Patent Office.

The report also highlights a gap in public sector contributions to cancer innovation. The Netherlands is noted for providing “relatively low” contributions to cancer-related research through public research institutions, significantly below the EU average.

The EPO specifically praised Agendia, a Dutch start-up founded in 2003 by scientists Laura Johanna van’t Veer and René Bernards. Agendia developed the MammaPrint test, a genetic test that calculates the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence. "This test revolutionized breast cancer care," the EPO stated.