IriDM

IriDM NV is a Belgian biotechnology company specialising in the identification of natural signalling molecules that interact with orphan G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Established in 2002 in Leuven, the company applies bioassay-based methods to screen and analyse compounds that can activate or inhibit these receptors. Orphan GPCRs are receptors whose natural ligands remain unknown, and their study can reveal new pathways for drug discovery, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic tools.

The company’s work bridges molecular biology, pharmacology, and bioinformatics, enabling researchers to connect receptor activity with potential physiological roles. By focusing on the natural ligands of orphan GPCRs, IriDM addresses a niche yet critical challenge in biomedical research—linking receptor signalling to disease mechanisms and treatment strategies. The outputs of its research can be applied in drug development pipelines, functional genomics studies, and receptor biology investigations.

IriDM originated as a spin-out from work connected to PharmaDM NV and was co-founded by experts with backgrounds in life sciences, molecular pharmacology, and academic research. Operating from its headquarters in Leuven, the company collaborates with research institutions and commercial partners to translate receptor identification data into practical applications for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Its business model includes the sale of research assays, licensing of proprietary methods, and provision of specialised research services to third parties. While IriDM leverages advanced molecular biology techniques, its approach does not rely on artificial intelligence but on laboratory-based bioassays and empirical analysis.

Keywords: biotechnology, GPCR research, orphan receptors, bioassay development, molecular biology, pharmacology, ligand identification, Leuven, Belgium, drug discovery, research services, PharmaDM