University Hospital Erlangen is pooling its expertise in cell and gene therapy: the new Interdisciplinary Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (iZGE) has been established within the German Center for Immunotherapy. Bringing together expertise from several clinical departments and specialist disciplines, the center aims to accelerate the translation of innovative therapeutic approaches from research into patient care.
Cellular immunotherapies are among the most promising developments in personalized medicine. They harness or modify a patient’s own immune cells to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions. Erlangen has already developed and clinically investigated pioneering approaches in this field. These range from CAR T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) to dendritic cells and other personalized immunotherapies.
“Zell- und Gentherapien werden die Medizin der kommenden Jahrzehnte entscheidend prägen”, says coordinator Prof. Dr. Fabian Müller, Head of the CAR T-Cell Unit and Managing Senior Physician at the Department of Medicine 5 – Hematology and Internal Oncology. “Mit unserem gemeinsamen neuen Zentrum schaffen wir die organisatorischen und wissenschaftlichen Voraussetzungen, damit Erlangen diese Entwicklung weiterhin aktiv mitgestaltet – zum Nutzen unserer Patientinnen und Patienten und mit internationaler Strahlkraft.”
The iZGE focuses on four closely interconnected areas: clinical care, manufacturing, research and teaching. Interdisciplinary structures and standardized processes are designed to provide patient-centered care from treatment decisions through to long-term follow-up. At the same time, University Hospital Erlangen has certified cleanroom laboratories for the production of individualized cell-based therapeutics.
Another key focus is translational research, with findings from the laboratory being transferred into clinical applications as rapidly as possible. This approach builds on the long-standing immunology research focus of University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). It is complemented by education and training programs for students, researchers and medical professionals.
By combining expertise, infrastructure and clinical experience, the iZGE also strengthens the interface between the German Center for Immunotherapy and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN. This creates an interdisciplinary environment designed to advance innovative cell and gene therapies along the entire pathway from research to clinical application.