Fraunhofer-Institut für Toxikologie und experimentelle Medizin (ITEM)

Protecting people in our industrialized world from health risks and contributing to the development of new therapeutic approaches—these are the goals of Fraunhofer ITEM in Hanover. With a focus on respiratory research, its R&D portfolio encompasses three business areas:

Drug development

The Drug Development division develops and tests new medications for respiratory diseases—particularly asthma, hay fever, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and infections. Its scientific expertise encompasses both preclinical research in pharmacology and toxicology and clinical development.

Chemical safety

In the Chemical Safety division, we assess the risks posed by potential hazardous substances and support the development of new products with a focus on human health and the environment. To this end, we draw on a broad range of scientific expertise, including toxicological testing, exposure assessment, analytical methods, regulatory research, and chemical risk assessment.

Translational Medical Technology

In our Translational Medical Technology division, we have extensive experience in the development of medical devices—including technologies for the medical use of aerosols and neuroimplants. Equally essential are the testing of these devices, the development of test scenarios, and risk and safety assessments.

Regulatory support

We also provide regulatory support across all business areas. A wide range of testing systems is available, including in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and in silico models. All studies can be conducted in compliance with GXP guidelines.

Regensburg Campus

The Regensburg branch of the institute focuses on personalized tumor therapy, including the development of diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancer cell spread and for predicting the response of metastatic precursor cells to treatment.

Fraunhofer Society

Fraunhofer ITEM is one of more than 70 institutes and research centers within the Fraunhofer Society, the world’s leading organization for applied research.