About Us
We aid the transition from animal-based to in-vitro human-based pyrogen testing to increase patient safety and save animal lives.
To achieve this, we’ve been developing the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT) since 2016.
Our Vision
We fully support the decision taken by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) to completely replace the rabbit pyrogen test (RPT) with the monocyte activation test (MAT) before 2026.
The MAT has been developed for nearly 50 years, but there has been a lack of public awareness around this topic. With the new course of the EDQM, we can finally push for the implementation of the MAT as the new standard testing method for pyrogens.
400.000
Rabbits can be saved worldwide per year
60.000
Horseshoe crabs can be saved in the US per year
Quality You Can Rely On
We’re ISO:9001:2015 Certified to ensure the highest levels of quality for our products and services.
Download Certificate
Meet Our Team
Guillermo Sanchez
Founder and CEO
As a serial entrepreneur since 2006, Guillermo has gained extensive experience building disruptive products and companies. Since 2016, he has collaborated with over 30+ industry-leading companies to co-develop the MAT kit and automation. Guillermo has been involved in solving challenges from the production and transport of cell sources to bridging the challenges between product, lab, and regulations.
Peter Brugger
Scientific Advisor
Peter has dedicated his life to the quality of pharmaceuticals and has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the Monocyte Activation Test. More than 40 years of experience in the field at Novartis and Lonza, and has (co)authored numerous scientific articles.
Ali Seyedmehdi
Head of People
Passionate about People and Technology. Ali has over 20 years of experience in IT, Operations, HR, Recruitment, company building, and management at start-up, scale-up, and corporate stages.
Priscilla Kerkman
Senior Scientist
Dr. Priscilla Kerkman has more than 12 years of experience in immunology and has developed a passion for the human immune system and how it can be utilized to improve people’s lives. She has used various techniques to identify and study human cells and antibodies in autoimmunity, virology, and bacteriology. Next to her experience in the lab, she’s been a project manager. She likes organizing external and internal projects with multiple stakeholders, teaching and supervising colleagues, gathering all data to perform data analysis, and giving presentations on the project’s progress.
Fleur de Roos
Research Associate & Lab Manager
Gaining a solid basis in chemistry during her study, Fleur moved more towards biochemistry. During an internship abroad, further interest was sparked in the startup environment as well as animal-free solutions. Therefore, the challenge to streamline production and further develop the MAT test is right up her lane.
Eva Kritikou
Program Manager
Dr. Eva Kritikou has more than eight years of immunology experience in academic research and three years of experience in the CRO-industry. Her passion for biomedical research drove her to acquire her PhD in the field of immunology in Leiden, followed by a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Upon completion, she returned to Leiden to pursue her interests in the biopharmaceutical industry, where she expanded her skills in business acquisition and project management, leading multimember teams of technicians and scientists while serving as a mentor in managing projects and business development.
Arginell Girigorie
Research Technician
Arginell Girigorie brings a robust background in biomedical research to his role as a Research Technician at MAT Research. With significant experience gained at prestigious institutions like the Amsterdam UMC and Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Arginell has contributed to cutting-edge studies in immunology and virology. His work has included investigating the role of T-cell differentiation in HIV treatment outcomes and exploring the impact of viral proteins on HIV-1 infectivity. Arginell’s technical skills and meticulous attention to experimental detail enhance our team’s capabilities in advancing research that tackles complex scientific questions. His dedication to leveraging science for better health outcomes makes him a vital addition to our research endeavors.
Alice Bacon
Scientist
Alice Bacon is a Scientist with profound expertise in the biomedical and biochemical sciences. As a Marie Curie PhD fellow at Leiden University Medical Center, she has notably contributed to the ArthritisHeal project, focusing on glycomic and lipidomic studies pertinent to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her research has enabled a deeper understanding of the effects of immunoglobulin subclasses on macrophage behavior and lipid metabolism, which is critical for innovating therapeutic strategies. Alice’s analytical skills and dedication to her field make her an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to explore and innovate within the immunology and biomedical research arena.
Lauren Kelsey
Scientist
Lauren Kelsey, Project Leader and Scientist in Immunology, has a rich background with a Master’s in Regenerative Medicine and a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Bath. Her expertise is grounded in leading high-stakes immunology projects at Charles River, driving the development of advanced assays and innovative therapies. Her academic and professional journey is marked by a proactive approach to project management, where her leadership significantly contributed to the development and approval of GCLP-like studies aimed at IND/FDA submissions. At MAT Research, Lauren advances our immunology research and product development, leveraging her skills in flow cytometry, tissue culture, and imaging-based assays. Her leadership in GLP settings enhances team performance and project outcomes, contributing to our commitment to scientific excellence and successful IND/FDA submissions.
Hanneke Verveen
QC Scientist
With a rich tapestry of expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields, Hanneke specializes in quality control and analytical methodologies. With a background in molecular biology and vaccine development, she has spent the past decade at Intravacc, mastering a spectrum of techniques from molecular cloning to vaccine characterization under GMP settings. Her role as QC Scientist leverages her extensive experience in laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and method development, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality and efficacy standards. Hanneke’s commitment to scientific rigor and adeptness in navigating complex analytical landscapes make her a vital asset to our team.
Anaïs Legent
Senior Scientist
Over 14 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, specializing in drug development in the field of immunology and autoimmune diseases. Her expertise includes leading high-profile projects for target discovery and validation by developing disease-relevant assays as well as screening and characterization of novel antibody drug candidates. Anaïs has successfully led multidisciplinary teams and collaborated with academic and industrial partners to develop screenable assays and implement new technologies. At Galapagos, she has spearheaded autoimmune disease projects, developed co-culture assays, and conducted mechanism-of-action studies. Recently, she was a team leader at Sanquin within the immunomonitoring services division, where she coordinated internal lab processes. Known for her strategic thinking, team leadership, and dedication, Anaïs is passionate about driving scientific excellence through innovation and collaboration.
With her extensive immunology background, Anaïs is poised to contribute significantly to MAT Research’s mission of advancing understanding and innovation in immune-related fields.