The award, sponsored by AXON Lawyers and F.INSTITUTE, was accepted by Koen Vanderschuren, Chief of Staff of Wavefront Therapeutics, who delivered the winning pitch, and presented by Max Luijkx of AXON Lawyers and Lars Ottevanger of F.Institute.

A peptide approach to one of cardiology’s toughest treatment gaps

Wavefront Therapeutics is developing intracellularly targeted peptides for acute manifestations of myocardial ischemia, focusing on two moments where treatment options remain limited despite high mortality and long-term morbidity.

Its lead asset, Peptide A-301, is designed for administration alongside epinephrine during advanced cardiac life support in cardiac arrest, aiming to improve survival while reducing neurological injury caused by prolonged oxygen deprivation.

A second program, built around peptides B-201 and B-301, targets ischemia-reperfusion injury during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction — a major contributor to irreversible myocardial damage even after successful reopening of blocked coronary arteries.

The company has already generated preclinical validation in porcine models, an important translational benchmark in cardiovascular drug development. Lead optimisation is scheduled for completion in 2026, with first-in-human studies targeted for 2028 and a potential market launch in 2031.

For Saif Rathore, CEO of Wavefront Therapeutics, the conference also reflects the strategic value of the Dutch biotech ecosystem.

“The best way to meet the full Dutch biotech ecosystem, startups through scale ups, government, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs,” Rathore said about Innovation for Health.

Broad field of finalists across biotech and medtech

The eight other finalists reflected the breadth of innovation currently emerging across European health technology.

• Genase Therapeutics presented a next-generation DHODH inhibitor program advancing toward IND-enabling studies.

• Gilbert showcased its Smart Precision Inhaler for highly controlled pulmonary drug delivery.

• JAMA Therapeutics pitched a nanoparticle platform for targeted cardiac gene delivery.

• Juvant Medical focused on real-time tumour margin detection in breast cancer surgery.

• Myriagon presented a non-addictive oral candidate for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

• OncoInv highlighted OncoSeek, a validated screening platform covering nine cancer types.

• Revividal introduced an ingestible gastric device designed to trigger satiety.

• SLAM Orthopedic demonstrated sensor-guided surgical tools for fracture fixation.

Next edition scheduled for March 2027

The next editions of Health~Holland Global Investor Forum and Innovation for Health will take place on 10–11 March 2027 in Utrecht.

Are you an entrepreneur developing a disruptive healthcare solution with real-world impact? Looking to gain visibility, connect with investors and experts, and accelerate your path to market?

Then don’t miss your chance. Apply for the Innovation for Health 2027 Start-up Pitch, taking place on 10–11 March 2027 in Utrecht, alongside the Health~Holland Global Investor Forum. For more info: www.hyphenprojects.nl/i4h.

Whether you’re bridging the gap between lab and market, technology and care, or vision and execution—Innovation for Health is your platform.