The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI founded in April 2005 is a member of the Fraunhofer Life Sciences Alliance.

Its objective being to find solutions to specific problems at the interfaces between medicine, life sciences and engineering for partners active in medicine-related industries and businesses. The Fraunhofer IZI offers research and development services in the Business Units Drugs, Cell Therapy, Diagnostics and Biobanks. The Institute’s core competencies are to be found in regenerative medicine, or more precisely in cell-therapeutic methods of regenerating non-functioning tissue and organs through to the biological substitution with tissue cultivated in vitro (tissue engineering). In order for the living organism to accept the tissues without any difficulty, it is necessary to study cellular and immunological defense and control mechanisms and take these into account during process and product development.

These core competencies entail a multiplicity of tasks to be solved by new products and processes. The Institute works especially closely with hospital institutions, performing quality tests and clinical studies in cooperation with partners. Additionally it also provides assistance in obtaining manufacturing licenses and certifications.

The building of the institute was finished in April 2008. With an effective area of 4500 sqm (thereof 2300 sqm laboratory space and 1400 sqm office space) the building offers space for 200 employees. The approx. 24 million euro building project was supported by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Freestate of Saxonia and the city Leipzig.

The design of the Institute building mimics the structure of a cell. The atrium represents the nucleus, the façade of aluminum and glass is considered as the membrane and abstracted cells constitute the image of the façade.

The foundation stone for the first extension building was laid in September 2009. On an area of almost 3,000 square meters spanning three stories, the construction of spacious experimental medicine laboratories, a GMP facility and associated office space is under way. The extension building is due to be put into service in the middle of 2012.