News and press releases

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) have developed a novel strategy for preventing severe side effects after haematopoietic cell transplantation – a key treatment method for various forms of blood cancer. The results have now been published in one of the most renowned haematology journals, BLOOD.

Periodontitis is widespread and can have serious consequences for overall health. Researchers at the Department of Drug Design and Target Validation of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI have identified a substance that selectively blocks harmful pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis without affecting other bacteria. Thereby, the natural balance of the oral microbiome is preserved. A toothpaste containing this substance is now available on the market.

A translational study led by Fraunhofer IZI and Leipzig University Hospital has yielded new insights into the efficacy and side effects of two CAR-T cell therapies targeting the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in patients with refractory multiple myeloma. In particular, they wanted to find out which molecular mechanisms influence the success of treatment with such a living drug. The results have now been published in the renowned journal Cancer Cell.

On November 1, 2025, PD Dr. Sebastian Ulbert, Head of the Department of Infection Research and Diagnostics and Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, was appointed Professor of Translational Infection Immunology at Leipzig University.

PlasmidFactory GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine expertise in cell therapy process development and GMP manufacturing, aiming to accelerate non-viral cell and gene therapies for the benefit of patients.

Prof. Dr. Stephan Fricke, Head of the Department of Cell and Gene Therapy Development at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, has been appointed to the new professorship in Clinical Immunology and Cell Therapy at Magdeburg University Hospital, effective October 1, 2025. At the same time, he will also assume leadership of the Institute for Clinical Immunology and Cell Therapy at the University of Magdeburg.

Fraunhofer IZI is part of the EU consortium EASYGEN. Coordinated by Fresenius, 18 industrial and academic partners are working together to develop an integrated and automated manufacturing platform for the decentralized production of CAR-T cell therapeutics. In this context, Fraunhofer IZI contributes its expertise in the development and manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapies as well as various other cell-based therapeutics. EASYGEN is funded by the EU under the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU).

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI has been honored with the 2025 Seal for Exemplary Communication on Animal Research.

The first patient was treated with a new CAR-T cell therapy as part of the LION-1 phase I clinical trial at the University Hospital of Würzburg.

Leipzig, April 29, 2025: The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) marked its 20th anniversary in Leipzig, celebrating the milestone with over 400 guests and employees. Invited had been representatives from academia, industry, and politics The event included congratulatory messages from Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer and Leipzig’s Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung, among others.