Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken visits Paul-Ehrlich-Institut – Biomedicine as Key to Modern Healthcare and German Innovation

From left to right: Diana Stolz (Hessian Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Sports, Health and Care), Nina Warken (Federal Minister of Health) and Professor Zoe Waibler (acting Vice President of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut). Source: T.Jansen/Paul-Ehrlich-Institut

Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken: "The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and its employees do valuable work, whether in the testing of biomedicines or the release of vaccines and blood products. Germany occupies a leading position in the supply of novel biotechnological therapies. These are very good conditions for all patients and the state of care in Germany."

Hessian Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Sports, Health and Care, Diana Stolz: "With the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, we have a federal authority in Hesse that is of central importance for the authorisation and monitoring of vaccines and biomedicines for Germany and Europe. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut's renowned scientists have earned it an outstanding reputation nationally and internationally."

The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut made a presentation on its work on modern biomedicines for prophylaxis and therapy with the title "Biomedicine, the Sector of the Future: Medicinal Product Innovations in Germany". The focus of the presentation was on:

• scientifically sound marketing authorisation and safety monitoring of biomedicines,
• advances in biotechnological medicinal products in personalised medicine, including innovative cell therapy approaches with CAR-T cells, in which the body's own immune cells are genetically modified to recognise and fight tumour cells,
• and the clinical significance of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of complex diseases.

The role of CAR-T cell therapies was explored in depth during the subsequent laboratory visit through concrete insights into research and development.

Promoting Innovation Requires Scientifically Sound Medicinal Product Regulation

Biomedical innovations are making an increasingly important contribution to modern patient care. Gene therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and cell-based approaches are now available as treatment options for patients with conditions such as genetic disease, neurodegenerative disease, or types of cancer for which there was previously little hope of effective therapy.

These advancements can give patients a new outlook on life. They strengthen confidence in the capabilities of the healthcare system, thus promoting social cohesion and making a significant contribution to Germany's attractiveness as a centre for innovation.

Under One Roof: Research and Regulatory Activities at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut

In order for these complex and often highly individualised therapies to be used safely and effectively, there is a need for testing and marketing authorisation institutes that are scientifically excellent and research-oriented. For biomedicines, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut fulfils this role in Germany – through the close integration of regulatory tasks with its own independent research at the highest level.

"The work of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is crucial for ensuring that medical progress is safe and responsibly integrated into patient care," says Professor Zoe Waibler, Vice President (acting) of the Institute. "In doing so, we are not only contributing to the health of the population, but also to Germany's ability to innovate."

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