Pharming Group N.V.

Pharming Group N.V. began in Leiden in 1988 with an unusual way to make medicines: use genetically modified animals to produce human proteins. That work led to RUCONEST, whose active protein is purified from rabbit milk. It received European approval in 2010 and US approval in 2014. The medicine is the purified protein, not the milk.

The Leiden-based company now sells two treatments for rare diseases. RUCONEST replaces a protein that helps control swelling. Joenja works differently: it reduces the activity of an overactive protein involved in the immune system. Pharming Group N.V. is also studying new uses for Joenja’s active ingredient, leniolisib, and developing napazimone for diseases affecting how cells produce energy.