InFLAMES – Innovation Ecosystem Based on the Immune System
An immune defence system that functions normally is vital for health. Overactivity in the immune system can lead to autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and juvenile diabetes. On the other hand, if the function of the system is impaired, people can develop cancer or contract serious bacterial or viral infections.
Therapies that affect our immune system are effective against many diseases, but are suitable only for a small number of patients. It is therefore important to identify new targets for drug development to treat acute and chronic inflammations. The InFLAMES Flagship aims to identify new drug development targets and develop new medicines together with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
It will develop diagnostics so that targeted therapies could be designed for individual patients. Through new initiatives, the Flagship will also promote collaboration between academia and the business sector, create new business opportunities and boost the commercialisation of discoveries made in laboratories.
- Director: Academician of Science Sirpa Jalkanen, University of Turku
- Number of researchers: around 300
- Host organisations: University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University
- InFLAMES Flagship website
- X: @InFLAMES_Health
- Email: inflames(at)utu.fi
