Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine

Lung research

Research for healthy lungs

Airway research has been a focus at Fraunhofer ITEM ever since the institute was founded. One emphasis has been on protecting health from potentially harmful, in particular airborne substances — be they gases, aerosols, particles, fibers, or nanomaterials — and another one on investigating and developing diagnostic and therapeutic concepts, both at the preclinical and clinical levels. To characterize the exposure to airborne substances, Fraunhofer ITEM researchers implement novel nebulizers and test beds and further develop already established technologies, for example for the characterization of materials such as nanocarriers that may be used as drug delivery systems in the long term.

R&D expertise Toxicology
R&D expertise Bioinformatics
Relevant Publications "Lung Research" (item.fraunhofer.de)

Advancing ideas to the proof of concept

Microscopic image of differently stained cells. — © Fraunhofer ITEM
Through their clinical research, Fraunhofer ITEM scientists enable a direct transfer of findings to humans, for example, by using chip cytometry and exhaled breath analysis.

Based on their comprehensive experience and expertise in clinical airway research, the scientists also work on patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and allergic rhinitis, as well as interstitial lung diseases, in particular idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and inflammatory diseases. Through their clinical research, Fraunhofer ITEM scientists enable a direct transfer of findings to humans, for example, by using chip cytometry, ultra-sensitive biomarker measurements and exhaled breath analysis.

Lung research: recent projects and highlights

Innovative Chip Cytometry: RLS-0071 Reduces Airway Neutrophilia

Using chip cytometry, researchers analyze the effects of a novel anti-inflammatory peptide on airway neutrophilia after endotoxin exposure.

A new approach to treating bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis causes inflammation and tissue damage. A newly developed drug tested at Fraunhofer ITEM shows potential for targeted therapies in a Phase I study.

Innovative inhalation therapy for lung tissue regeneration

The first Phase 1/1B clinical trial investigates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of CMR316.

Transcriptomic characterization of segmental LPS challenge in humans

The LPS challenge model allows the investigation of immune responses and drug effects in the lung. The study analyzed gene activity and revealed parallels to respiratory diseases.

Demonstrating proof of concept for an inhaled asthma biologic

A new inhaled formulation of an anti-TSLP antibody from Novartis was tested by Fraunhofer ITEM and international partners.

Project FibroPaths®

Therapeutic modulation of organ fibrosis in biochip format.

More Info

Allergen Challenge Chamber at Fraunhofer ITEM

Many hay fever patients are looking for non-drug alternatives to conventional medication.

Precision-cut lung slices

Precision-cut lung slices allow early events in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases to be studied in human lung tissue.

Project archive

Here you can find more projects sorted by our research and development competences.

Clinical studies at Fraunhofer ITEM

We are a highly specialized, academia-affiliated research center for early-phase and proof-of-concept clinical trials.

#WeKnow ClinicalResearch

Get some insights into our clinical airway research in our video series #WeKnowClinicalResearch.