In August 2009 the company InnovaStem GmbH was founded. The establishment of the company in the BIO CITY Leipzig with the collaboration of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI is part of the Europe-wide expansion strategy of the Italian parent company I.M.S. (Innovative Medical Solutions S.r.l.).

InnovaStem GmbH pursues the establishment of a stem cell bank through storing of adult stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue (Wharton’s Jelly), placenta tissue as well as from menstrual fluid.

In June InnovaStem GmbH and Fraunhofer IZI signed a common cooperation contract. The contract plans interim use of pharmaceuticalgrade clean rooms from Fraunhofer IZI by InnovaStem. "Through the close cooperation with Fraunhofer IZI on site we can already now develop first process steps that otherwise would have been possible only in several months", says the CEO of InnovaStem Nicola Commisso. Personnel from the Fraunhofer IZI will be responsible for the regulatory and scientific oversight of process development under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) until obtaining the necessary manufacturing authorisation according to the German Pharmaceutical Act. "We are glad that I.M.S. has brought its subsidiary InnovaStem GmbH to Leipzig and that the Fraunhofer IZI can contribute to the establishment of the stem cell bank in the first phases", says Dr. Gerno Schmiedeknecht, Head of the GMP unit and Head of Department at the Fraunhofer IZI.

In 2010 after establishing the manufacturing processes, InnovaStem GmbH will build its own production unit. Initially the employment of ten employees is planned. The establishment of InnovaStem GmbH is further evidence for the attractiveness of the Leipzig region in the field of Regenerative Medicine and will contribute to the positive development of the discipline.