5 million euros for innovative cell and immunotherapies ‘Made in Magdeburg’
An interdisciplinary research initiative is being launched at Magdeburg University Hospital to develop innovative cell and immunotherapies.
The aim of the ‘ZELL-THEMA’ research project is to make novel cell and immunotherapies even safer, more effective and more widely available for seriously ill patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. As part of this pioneering project, the efficacy and tolerability of cell products are being improved, new therapeutics developed and production processes optimised at Magdeburg University Hospital, with a clear focus on cross-site collaboration. In the long term, the developed therapeutic procedures are to be transferred to clinical care and new treatment standards established. Funding for the next three years totalling almost 5 million euros is being provided by the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Science from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the promotion of research and innovation.
‘The underlying principle of cell and immunotherapies is to reprogram the body's own immune system so that it recognises and combats malignant cells on its own,’ explains Prof. Dr Dimitrios Mougiakakos, Director of the University Clinic for Haematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy Magdeburg and head of the research project. But what sounds so simple is actually based on complex immune defence processes and has been occupying scientists around the world for decades. The expert in cell and immunotherapies explains: ‘The progress made in this area, particularly through methods such as CAR-T cell therapy, is remarkable. It has already proven itself in the treatment of certain blood and lymphatic cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and offers almost unlimited application possibilities. In Magdeburg, we have already achieved the first internationally visible successes in transferring this therapy to autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis, a severe muscle weakness. The first patient in the world to be treated in this way in Magdeburg, who was dependent on a wheelchair, is now able to walk normally again more than a year after the cell therapy and no longer takes any medication.’
Photo: Prof. Dr Dimitrios Mougiakakos, Director of the University Clinic for Haematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy Magdeburg, and his team are researching novel cell and immunotherapies for the treatment of seriously ill patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Photographer: Jana Dünnhaupt/Uni Magdeburg
Prof Mougiakakos was one of the first physicians in Germany to use CAR T-cell therapy clinically and is significantly involved in a large number of clinical and preclinical studies on efficacy and tolerability. He emphasises the enormous potential of this research: ‘With these new approaches, we are creating the basis for the further development of cell and immunotherapies in Magdeburg. Our aim is not only to improve existing therapies, but also to open up new areas of application - particularly in the field of autoimmune diseases.’ The networking of knowledge and technologies at regional and supra-regional level is crucial here. ‘The university network, non-university research institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Process Engineering and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, as well as cross-state collaboration with research associations in Saxony and Thuringia and partners from industry, offer ideal conditions for joint development projects. As a result, we are creating a unique ecosystem in this region that enables the rapid translation of research results into clinical applications and makes a significant contribution to personalised precision medicine.’
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Prof. Dr Daniela Dieterich, also emphasises the importance of the project: ‘This funding is further proof of the outstanding research work at Magdeburg University Hospital. Our expertise in the fields of immunology and neuroscience forms the ideal basis for successfully advancing the project and further strengthening the nationally and internationally recognised position of the University Medical Centre Magdeburg in the highly innovative field of cell and immunotherapies. Our interdisciplinary approach also creates new opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and technology across national borders. In this way, we are laying the foundations for future innovations and improving treatment options for our patients in the long term.’
Saxony-Anhalt's Science Minister Prof Dr Armin Willingmann explained: ‘Magdeburg University Medicine is already carrying out first-class research work, particularly in the fields of immunology and neurosciences. We want the Ministry of Science to continue to consistently support this successful development in the coming years by funding ambitious and promising research projects. In addition to innovation, we are also strengthening the competitiveness of Magdeburg as a centre of university medicine in the long term, especially in the battle for bright minds.’
The research project concentrates on three key areas
- Production and optimisation of cell therapies: A platform for the production of cell preparations is being established in order to increase the efficiency and quality of production. The focus is particularly on CAR-T cells, which are to be provided in high quality for clinical studies and experimental applications. This platform facilitates cross-site collaboration.
- Application of CAR-T cells in clinical trials: The project aims to design clinical trials and scientifically investigate CAR-T cell therapy not only in cancer treatment, but also for autoimmune diseases.
- Improving the efficacy and tolerability of cell therapies: One focus of the project is to make cell therapies even more effective and better tolerated. Due to the proven expertise of Magdeburg as a research location, one particular focus is on finding out how these cell and immune therapies affect the brain and mental performance.
Background CAR-T cell therapy
CAR-T cell therapy is already well established at Magdeburg University Hospital. The procedure is a cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of haematological diseases such as blood cancer. T cells (white blood cells) are taken from the patient's blood and genetically modified in the laboratory to form special receptors (CARs). These receptors help the T cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The multiplied, modified T cells are then infused back into the patient's body, where they specifically target the cancer cells. The therapy is extremely complex and cost-intensive, taking up to five weeks to produce and costing up to 300,000 euros.
Scientific contact
Prof. Dr. med. Dimitrios Mougiakakos, Director of the University Clinic for Haematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Tel.: +49-391-67-13266, dimitrios.mougiakakos@med.ovgu.de