About us
Driven by Science. Inspired by Impact.
Mercurna is on a mission to transform treatment possibilities across immune health and beyond.
Mercurna is a Nijmegen-based biotech company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA)-based medicines. Our proprietary platform combines unique cell-targeting ligands with advanced delivery systems for oligonucleotides, enabling therapeutic mRNA to reach diseased tissues with exceptional precision and efficiency. This approach is aimed at maximizing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects, setting a new standard for safety in mRNA therapeutics.
Founded in 2017, Mercurna was built on a bold vision: to create life-changing medicines—therapies that offer a cure where none exists or dramatically improve quality of life when a cure is not possible.
Despite remarkable progress in medicine, many conditions remain unmet, particularly those driven by immune system dysregulation. Recognizing shared pathological mechanisms across these diseases, we developed a modular nanomedicine platform that can be adapted to address a wide range of immune-mediated disorders.
We strive to translate our technology into breakthrough treatments that redefine possibilities for patients across the globe.
Our strategy integrates three key innovations:
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- Efficient delivery systems: Optimized for stability, efficient encapsulation of therapeutic mRNA, and reduced off-targeting
- Cell-Specific targeting ligands: Innovative molecules that guide delivery vehicles to the cells driving inflammation and disease progression.
- Therapeutic mRNA payloads: Designed to modulate immune responses or restore protein function in immune-mediated disorders.
Meet the team
Our Team
Jenny van Asbeck has 15+ years experience in life sciences with strong leadership and business expertise. Before joining Mercurna, Jenny served as an assistant professor at the Radboudumc and worked at world-class international institutes, contributing to cutting-edge technological innovation. Her experience spans fundraising, securing multiple competitive grants, and guiding teams to foster collaboration and drive organizational growth. Jenny holds a PhD from Radboud University, and an MBA from Maastricht University, The Netherlands. 
Jenny van Asbeck, PhD, MBA
CEO / Co-founder
With more than 20 years of experience in immunology and nanomedicine, Jürgen Dieker ensures scientific excellence across Mercurna’s pipeline while driving innovation in targeted mRNA delivery. He leads all R&D programs with a focus on nanoparticle technologies and preclinical development. He is also co-founder of RIBOPRO, a pioneering technology provider specializing in RNA and LNP technologies, highlighting his deep expertise in RNA delivery systems. Jürgen obtained his PhD from Radboud University and completed postdoctoral research at IBMC-CNRS in Strasbourg, France. 
Jürgen Dieker, PhD
CSO / Co-founder
Flavien Bizot, PhD, PharmD
Scientist
Preclinical Development
Ananya Singh, MSc
Doctoral Candidate
Drug Discovery Research
Niky Klein-Thijssen, MSc
Research Associate
Preclinical Development
Our advisors
More about our Advisors
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Johan vd Vlag, PhD
Prof. Johan van der Vlag is a Professor of Experimental Nephrology, Immunology of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation at Radboud University Medical Center. He brings 20+ expertise in nephrology, with a profound research focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying glomerular diseases.
He is deeply involved in national and international nephrology communities, serving on the Scientific Council of the Dutch Kidney Foundation, the Dutch Federation for Nephrology, and multiple research consortia. His scientific contributions span autoimmunity, renal inflammation, and molecular disease mechanisms, with a strong publication record and extensive international collaborations.
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Gerjan Kemperman, PhD
Dr. Gerjan Kemperman is an experienced life‑science executive with a strong track record of driving both organic and M&A‑driven expansion. He began his career at Organon/MSD, where he held multiple leadership roles, before co‑founding ChemConnection in 2012. Under his direction, ChemConnection grew into a global CDMO, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Mentha Capital in 2018.
Following, he joined the executive team at Ardena, where he serves as COO and Division Head for Drug Substance Services, overseeing operational strategy and growth across Ardena’s multinational organization.
More about our co-founders
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Sander van Asbeck, MSc
Sander van Asbeck is a molecular biology expert with over a decade of experience in mRNA technologies.
He is co-founder of Mercurna and co-founder & CEO of RiboPro, a premier CDMO specialized in high‑performance mRNA technology, delivery systems and manufacturing.
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Roland Brock, PhD
Prof. Roland Brock is professor of Biochemistry at Radboud University Medical Center, where he leads research on advanced drug‑delivery strategies, with particular expertise in cell‑penetrating peptides and targeted nanomedicines.
His academic work integrates biochemistry, nanotechnology, and delivery‑system innovation, and he has authored more than 150 peer‑reviewed publications, and is inventor on multiple patents. He is co‑founder of Mercurna and RiboPro.