Fraunhofer Health

Health research at Fraunhofer addresses the four key areas of medical science — drugs, diagnostics, devices and data, or 4D for short. Many innovations emerge at the interface between medical science, natural science, computer science and engineering. With its emphasis on transdisciplinary research, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers the perfect environment for close collaboration on health research and the development of cost-intelligent precision medicine for the benefit of patients.

News

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Improving the Availability of mRNA-Based Drugs

Innovative mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines offer hope in the fight against cancer, genetic disorders and infections. However, their development and production are complex, slow and difficult to scale. Seven Fraunhofer institutes are working to change this situation. In the RNAuto project, they have now developed an automated, digitally controlled production system that is fast, flexible and cost-effective.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM

Non-animal Testing of Heated Hair Products

Hair products used in hair salons release aerosols that can cause respiratory tract irritation if inhaled. Under a contract from industry, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM investigated the effects of aerosols produced when using heated chemical hair products. Using an innovative cell-based in vitro inhalation method, the researchers can estimate effects on the respiratory tract and identify potentially harmful substances. This non-animal testing method supports safe product development that is fully in line with the safe-by-design approach, which integrates safety in product development right from the start.

 

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE

Platform for Clinical Trials

The Platform for Clinical Trials offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the specific needs and requirements of internal and external partners. Our expertise covers the entire clinical trial process - from consulting on study design and study concepts, as well as strategic aspects of study planning and operational implementation, to the preparation of all relevant documentation required for the application and conduct of clinical investigations.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP

Using data against ticks: New ways to predict disease risks

MONID HABITRACK aims to predict more accurately the risk of infections transmitted by vectors such as ticks in the model region.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

New Toothpaste Stops Periodontal Pathogens

Periodontitis is widespread and can have serious consequences for overall health. Researchers at Fraunhofer have identified a substance that selectively inhibits only those bacteria that cause periodontitis, thereby preserving the natural balance of the oral microbiome. This technology has been further developed and commercialized as a range of oral care products by the spin-off company PerioTrap.

 

Fraunhofer Gesundheit

Fraunhofer auf der MS Wissenschaft: Medizin der Zukunft zum Mitmachen

Im Rahmen des Wissenschaftsjahres 2026 »Medizin der Zukunft« ist das Ausstellungsschiff MS Wissenschaft am 7.5.2026 in Berlin zu seiner diesjährigen Tour durch Deutschland, Polen und Österreich gestartet.

 

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE

Grand opening of the extension to the Lübeck Innovation Hub for Robotic Surgery

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT

angstVRei – Virtual reality application for the treatment of school anxiety

According to estimates, between three and seven percent of children in Germany suffer from clinically significant school anxiety—and the trend is rising. School anxiety and school avoidance can have serious and long-term effects on the development of children and adolescents. This highlights the need for early, easily accessible preventive measures.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT is coordinating the BMFTR joint project “angstVRei,” which was launched in March 2025. The project is developing and evaluating a virtual reality game for the treatment of school anxiety.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP

Preclinical research on rare, early-onset diseases in children

From molecules to realistic therapeutic approaches: Fraunhofer ITMP receives funding for three translational projects developing new treatment methods for rare, hard-to-treat diseases in infancy or early childhood.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT

Safe and sustainable from the outset: New toolbox helps develop future-proof chemicals, materials and products

Developing new chemicals and materials that are safe and sustainable from the very beginning - this is the aim of the EU-funded project »SSbD4CheM«. Together with 18 partners from 14 countries, the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT is working on an innovative toolbox featuring practical tools, guidelines and databases to support companies, public authorities and researchers in implementing the »Safe and Sustainable by Design« principle. Fraunhofer IBMT contributes its expertise in advanced toxicological and analytical methods, develops new testing procedures and drives the harmonization of standards for assessing safety and sustainability.

 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie, Institutsteil Bioanalytik und Bioprozesse IZI-BB

Yokogawa and Fraunhofer IZI-BB integrate single-cell injection with low-input, image-activated cell sorting

Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Fraunhofer IZI-BB signed a framework agreement in December 2025 to start a cooperation and streamline future joint activities. In a first project, two technologies shall be combined towards an end-to-end workflow that connects precise injection of material into single cells with downstream sorting and the establishment of clonal cell lines. Thereafter, Yokogawa aims to establish an algal cell factory.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS

Accelerate and Optimize MRI Examinations

With the gammaSTAR software platform and the SpinIt project, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS are facilitating the transfer of innovative imaging technologies into routine clinical use.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT

Intelligent Sensors for Quality-assured Cell Production

Fraunhofer research scientists are optimizing the manufacturing of 3D tissue models using a modular sensor platform and AI. Their solution enables continuous quality control in bioreactors and opens up new perspectives for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries - for more than just animal-free drug testing.

 

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized Medical Technology and Engineering IMTE

DFG approves innovative MPI scanner for Lübeck – paving the way for personalized diagnostics and cancer therapy

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved approximately €4.3 million in funding for the University of Lübeck’s proposal to develop a novel scanner for Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) in combination with computed tomography (CT) and hyperthermia. Magnetic Particle Imaging is a young, highly sensitive real-time imaging modality that visualizes magnetic nanoparticles in the body and is increasingly paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE

Fraunhofer research project “PETRA” develops app for AI-supported therapy support during menopause

Although menopause – also known as perimenopause – can significantly impair women's well-being and performance, medical education and support have often been inadequate to date. As part of the joint project “PETRA: AI-supported, educational therapy support for perimenopause,” researchers are now developing an AI-supported app that offers personalized information to affected women, thereby helping to improve their symptoms. 

 

Fraunhofer-Einrichtung für Individualisierte Medizintechnik IMTE

Robotik & KI für strahlungsarme Lebereingriffe

Im Projekt SURREAL werden menschzentrierte Assistenztechnologien für die Interventionelle Radiologie entwickelt. Forschende des Universitätsklinikums Schleswig-Holstein, des Fraunhofer IMTE in Lübeck, der BEC Medical GmbH in Magdeburg und dem Fraunhofer IDMT in Oldenburg entwickeln in den kommenden drei Jahren gemeinsam eine robotergestützte Assistenzplattform, die klinische Fachkräfte während ultraschallbasierter Leberuntersuchungen und -interventionen entlastet.

 

Fraunhofer Gesundheit & vfa / 12.11.2025

PROUD: das Tool für jährliche Statuserhebungen

Im Auftrag vom vfa und Fraunhofer Gesundheit hat die Beratungsagentur Vintura im Oktober 2025 zum zweiten Mal mit dem Monitoring-Tool PROUD (Pharma FoRschung & Entwicklung ErfOlgsmessUng in Deutschland) die Qualität und Leistungsfähigkeit des Pharma-F&E-Standorts Deutschland bestimmt. Mitgewirkt haben auch zwölf Pharmaunternehmen. Die Ergebnisse wurden im November 2025 veröffentlicht.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Advances in Cancer Treatment: CAR T Cells Fight Solid Tumors

A new generation of CAR T cell therapy is bringing hope in the fight against cancer, targeting not only blood cancers but also solid tumors such as ovarian and breast cancer. Fraunhofer researchers teamed up with the University Hospital of Würzburg to streamline the complicated process of manufacturing these therapies as well. This could make them much more available.

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Innovative approach to minimising severe side effects after blood stem cell transplantation reaches important milestone

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.

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Improved predictability of treatment outcomes and side effects of personalized cancer immunotherapies

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.

Fraunhofer Match

Do you have a research request?

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer.  You tell us about your challenge or project - and Fraunhofer Match will put you in touch with researchers who have the right expertise to help you work out solutions. 

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