How Luke van der Koog gives hope to COPD patients around the world with MimeCure

“I really want to make an impact with the research I do,” stilt Luke van der Koog. The former pharmacist, now an entrepreneur, is developing with his company Mime Cure a therapy that could change the lives of 300 million COPD patients worldwide. What started as fundamental PhD research into stem cells in lungs led to the discovery of a protein that can repair damaged lung tissue. Now he's about to bring that breakthrough to the clinic.

From pharmacy to research

After his pharmacy education in Groningen, Luke was faced with a choice. “I really enjoyed helping patients, but I didn't necessarily have to have one-on-one contact with them. But I did want to make an impact for patients.” That drive led him to a PhD at the University of Groningen, focused on the lung disease COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

“It is currently the third cause of death in the world. There are more than 300 million patients worldwide who have this disease.” The problem is poignant because, despite the enormous need, there are no medicines available that address the underlying cause. “We can treat the symptoms, but it is a progressive disease. Eventually, the lung tissue breaks down more and more.”

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We found out that there was actually nothing to find out about this protein in relation to COPD yet.

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The search for repairs

Luke's research focused on natural lung repair mechanisms. “We know that lungs contain stem cells that are important for repairing lung tissue. This works well in healthy people, but not anymore in COPD patients. Those stem cells receive signals from surrounding cells about when to activate or divide.”

To unravel those signals, Luke and his team used a technique called proteomics - a method to analyze all proteins in a biological sample. “We started with around 2,000 proteins and gradually narrowed them down to 12 potential candidates.” One of them stood out: osteoglycin, also called mimecan. “That protein turned out to be extremely promising. We found out that there was actually nothing to find out about this protein in relation to COPD yet. So that's why it was also very easy to patent.”

From researcher to entrepreneur

The transition to entrepreneurship was gradual. “It wasn't necessarily my idea to become an entrepreneur beforehand. It really came about along the way.” For Luke, it became a school with a steep learning curve, especially in the way of thinking.

“As a pharmacist and researcher, you don't naturally think from a business perspective. Now I suddenly have to make choices and set priorities. After all, you have limited resources. And what really comes with it is networking. Talk to a lot of people and go to events. That really is a completely different world.” He explains the difference clearly: “As a researcher, you want to have everything validated four or five times. As an entrepreneur, you can sell a dream a bit more. Of course, no nonsense, but you can already look further ahead than you are used to as a scientist.”

Luke founded MimeCure together with his three PhD supervisors. One of them, Professor Erik Frijlink, left his university position to focus fully on the startup. “The two of us are now really operational. We are building on the research. For me, that is the safe basis from which we will continue to grow.”

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You don't want to make sick people even sicker because you didn't do your job properly.

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The way to the clinic

MimeCure is developing an innovative inhalation therapy in the form of dry powder that is deposited directly into the lungs. The associated inhaler was developed by PureIMS from Roden. “We now know how to produce it in a scalable and reproducible way. At the moment, we are still conducting a mouse study and are going to work with an institute in Germany that works with human lung slices, a model that is closer to the patient.”

Luke is realistic about the timeline. “On average, drug development takes 10 to 12 years. We hope to start our first human study in 2028. Before it hits the market, I think you'll soon be in 2032.” This prudence comes from a sense of responsibility in the sector: “You don't want to make sick people even sicker because you didn't do your job properly.”

Financing and growth

The development of new medicines requires significant investments. “In addition to taking a very long time, drug research is also a very expensive thing. Studies in cell and animal models, and later in patients, come at a high cost.”

Nevertheless, MimeCure has reached a number of important milestones in a short time. In February 2025, they signed a licensing agreement with the RUG. In addition, the company received grants from the Biotech Booster Program and the Lung Fund, along with an investment from Pharma Connect Capital, a fund that focuses on early phase biotech. Now Luke is working on a new round of funding: “We're trying to raise 10 to 12 million to realize our clinical development plan.”

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These are doors that normally stay closed, but through such a program, you are exposed to them.

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American classes

Through the Academic Startup Competition Luke won a trip to America. “Business Generator Groningen asked us: Do you want to sign up for this?” Of the 70 startups registered, 10 reached the finish line. MimeCure was one of the lucky ones.

The American mentality impressed. “You can see how much enthusiasm there is. Even if people don't have the relevant knowledge themselves, they do know someone in their network.” A highlight was his pitch to pharmaceutical giant Genentech. “These are doors that normally stay closed, but through such a program, you are exposed to them.” Concrete results are yet to be seen: “Of course, we still have to see what really comes out of that”, Luke acknowledges honestly.

What also struck him was the difference in pitch culture with the Netherlands: “In America, you have to convince people in three minutes. The trick is to touch them emotionally so that they remember you. Otherwise, you won't participate.”

Responsibility and Realism

Despite the promising developments, Luke remains realistic about where the company stands. “I don't want patients who read this to get false hopes. We are still in an early development phase.” Nevertheless, he notices how great the need is. “Despite warnings, I get messages from COPD patients asking if they can participate in tests. But at the moment, that is simply not possible.”

This reticence reflects the reality of drug development. “In this sector, it's very binary: either a drug works or it doesn't. And finally, authorities decide whether you can move on. There are strict rules and gatekeepers who monitor market access.”

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Don't try to think you have to be able to do it all by yourself.

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Advice for scientific entrepreneurs

For researchers who are considering becoming entrepreneurs, Luke has clear advice. “Gather the right people around you who can help you. Don't try to think you have to be able to do it all by yourself. There are people who believe in you and see the potential. Take advantage of that.”

Intellectual property is also crucial: “Make sure you have a good patent. That's all or nothing. If you can't protect yourself, you're ultimately worth nothing. Then you will find no investors and no exit partner.”

Impact as a motive

“I think it's one of the worst diseases there is, to constantly fight for your breath. Breathing is so natural until it isn't anymore. We can now really do something for these patients.” Luke's story shows how academic research can grow into a company with global influence. Luke grew from a curious pharmacist to an entrepreneur who could change millions of lives. Possible, because it's still a long way. With a realistic view, but driven by the conviction that science makes a difference, Luke and his team continue to concentrate.

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Interview & tekst by Lars Meijer