Leiden, 26 November 2025 – INFECTA, a Dutch clinical research organization specializing in infectious diseases, has signed a collaboration agreement with AHAM Vastgoed for the development of a clinical research facility in Leiden. AHAM Vastgoed, wholly owned by the charitable Sint Antonius Foundation, will be responsible for the development and construction of the 4,000 m² gross floor area building. INFECTA will conduct its research in this purpose-built facility from 2028.
The new facility will be the first unit in the Netherlands specifically designed for infectious disease research. The INFECTA unit will feature 20 hotel-style rooms for study participants, an outpatient clinic, an analytical laboratory, and a small-scale production laboratory for the manufacture of infectious agents. The design incorporates advanced safety features including non-crossing walking routes and separate air handling systems for the research unit and office spaces, ensuring optimal safety for staff and study participants. The comfortable environment and pleasant atmosphere contribute to the wellbeing of clinical study participants.
“This partnership is a perfect match between two organizations driven by societal impact,” says Meta Roestenberg, co-founder and CEO/CSO at INFECTA. “AHAM’s charitable character aligns perfectly with our mission to make infectious disease control accessible and affordable.”
Ingrid de Visser-Kamerling, co-founder and COO at INFECTA, adds: “This dedicated facility enables us to conduct early-phase research to the highest quality and safety standards. By bringing all functions under one roof, from clinic to laboratory and production, we can execute complex clinical studies more efficiently and generate relevant data quickly.”
AHAM Vastgoed is a real estate company with over a century of history and a charitable shareholder. In addition to commercial real estate, they have the ambition to develop socially impactful properties with a distinctive purpose. AHAM appointed Arjen Pels Rijcken to find a partner in their pursuit of establishing an innovative institute for medical applications, particularly to help people who cannot afford medicines in the world’s poorest regions. By joining forces, INFECTA secured funding and a location study was initiated at Leiden Bio Science Park in Leiden/Oegstgeest. In close consultation with the University, a suitable plot was identified and the renowned architectural firm Winhov was selected. What makes this building unique is that the research conducted here will combine for-profit and non-profit research to achieve the best medical solutions and sustainable operations.
Tim van Schijndel, Managing Director of AHAM Vastgoed, explains: “By making this building possible, there is a good chance we will help improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people through the research of Ingrid, Meta and their team. We cannot imagine a better combination of the objectives of our shareholder, the Sint Antonius Foundation, and AHAM’s real estate expertise. The collaboration with Ingrid and Meta gives our team tremendous energy.”
With the new facility, INFECTA can significantly expand capacity for early-phase clinical research into infectious diseases in the Netherlands. The location at Leiden BioScience Park, the Netherlands’ premier life sciences hub, and proximity to academic and commercial partners strengthens collaboration within the Dutch infectious diseases network.