The Fraunhofer ITEM offers contract research in the area of human health, with an emphasis on the respiratory tract as a target organ. The focus is on toxicity testing, pre-clinical registration studies, early-phase clinical trials, and chemical risk assessment. Many different test systems are available, including in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo models. Research activities and services offered range from studies in the areas of occupational and environmental toxicology and consumer protection to pre-clinical and clinical drug research and development, including also GMP process development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals for clinical trials. All studies can be performed in compliance with GXP regulations.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 66 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft employs a staff of nearly 24,000, who work with an annual research budget totaling more than 2 billion euros. Of this sum, around 1.7 billion euros is generated through contract research. More than 70 percent of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s contract research revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. International collaborations with excellent research partners and innovative companies around the world ensure direct access to regions of the greatest importance to present and future scientific progress and economic development.