ZELLTHEMA is a strategic initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) to sustainably develop the structural and scientific foundations for innovative cell therapies in Magdeburg and Sachsen Anhalt. By fostering translational research, process innovation, and GMP-ready infrastructure, the project aims to accelerate the development and implementation of cell-based treatments - from bench to bedside.

Graphic: UMMD

Improving the efficacy and safety of modern cell-based therapies

Our research aims to enhance the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of advanced cellular immunotherapies such as CAR-T cells. We focus on overcoming immune escape mechanisms and mitigating therapy-related toxicities. In line with the 3R initiative, we are committed to developing advanced, human-relevant in vitro models for functional and toxicological assessment of cellular therapies.

Development of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies

We pursue a translational research pipeline, ranging from target discovery and mechanistic validation to the prototypic development of novel therapeutic approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on metabolic and immunoregulatory targets as well as combinatorial strategies, especially in hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Design and implementation of early-phase clinical trials

A further focus lies in the conceptualization and clinical implementation of early-phase (Phase I/II) clinical trials. We are particularly interested in novel immunomodulatory agents, targeted therapies, and cellular products, whose preclinical development we support with dedicated experimental models and whose clinical translation we actively shape.