Ans van der Ploeg, professor of Metabolic Diseases, is Chair of the Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases at the Erasmus MC University, Rotterdam, and Chair of department for Metabolic diseases of Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. The Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases is a joined initiative of the departments of Pediatrics, (Child)Neurology, Internal Medicine, Clinical Genetics and Hospital Pharmacy to improve treatment, care and diagnosis of children and adults, to stimulate translational research, to provide education and to disseminate information. The center serves as international center of expertise for Pompe disease (www.pompecenter.nl) Van der Ploeg was involved in the development of enzyme replacement therapy, the currently registered therapy for Pompe disease. The research at the center includes clinical research as well as development of innovative therapies (Gene and cell based therapies).
