An experiment with dromedary blood led to a groundbreaking scientific discovery. In 1989, VUB researcher Raymond Hamers identified "nanobodies" – tiny antibodies that have since become the foundation for innovative medicines and new biotechnological applications. The documentary Knappe Koppen sheds light on this fascinating story of chance, curiosity, and perseverance.
It all began in 1989 when Professor Raymond Hamers, working at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), conducted a routine experiment with his students. The task was simple: isolate antibodies from blood samples. However, due to a lack of suitable material, Hamers decided to use a frozen blood sample from a dromedary, a leftover from an earlier study. What initially seemed like a pragmatic choice turned out to be a major scientific breakthrough. To Hamers' astonishment, the antibodies in dromedary blood had a unique structure, completely different from those found in other animals. This unexpected discovery led to the identification of "nanobodies" — small but highly effective antibodies with unique properties.
The impact of this discovery went far beyond the laboratory. The documentary Knappe Koppen highlights this remarkable moment in the history of science, showing how nanobodies have since transformed medicine, biotechnology, and even agriculture. Thanks to their compact size and unique properties, nanobodies have become vital tools in the development of new drugs and innovative treatments.
Professor Hamers' curiosity and his willingness to think outside the box sparked a revolution in biomedical research. His work culminated in the 2001 founding of Ablynx, a spin-off of VUB. The biotech company quickly established itself as a pioneer in the development of nanobody-based medicines. The power and potential of this technology did not go unnoticed. In 2018, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi acquired Ablynx for a staggering €3.9 billion – a record-breaking deal that cemented Ablynx's status as one of the crown jewels of Belgium’s biotech sector.
The documentary reveals how a chance discovery, combined with scientific curiosity, can lead to world-changing innovation. The story of Professor Hamers and his team is a powerful example of how science often advances through unexpected findings – but only if researchers remain observant, open-minded, and willing to explore the unknown.
The full documentary, featuring exclusive footage, is available to watch on VRT MAX.
The Casterman-Hamers Chair: Bridging Science and Philosophy
The scientific legacy of Raymond Hamers and Cécile Casterman goes beyond groundbreaking research on nanobodies. In 2013, they established the Casterman-Hamers Chair in the History and Philosophy of Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Their goal was to fill a gap in academic education by creating an accessible space for reflection on the historical and philosophical foundations of scientific knowledge.
Developed in collaboration with VUB Crosstalks, the chair organises lectures, workshops, and residencies. These activities invite students, researchers, and lecturers to engage in critical reflection on the evolution of scientific ideas.
For the 2022-2024 term, lawyer and philosopher Mireille Hildebrandt has been appointed chairholder. Together, they pursue a shared mission: to bridge science and philosophy and encourage the academic community to look beyond the boundaries of their own disciplines.