News from nanomedicine: Revolutionary developments in the summer semester!

News from nanomedicine: Revolutionary developments in the summer semester!

In the summer semester of 2025, the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg invites you to an exciting series of lectures entitled “Small and Tiny Particles”. The series highlights new developments in medical research and is dedicated to current topics as part of the International Year of Quantum Physics and Technology. The events take place in the Center for Medical Physics and Technology (ZMPT), lecture hall 01.020, Henkestrasse 91, 91052 Erlangen, every Thursday at 8:15 p.m.

The lecture series starts on May 8th with “Supraparticles: Nanomaterials 2.0 that go beyond classic material properties”, presented by Prof. Dr. Karl Mandel, an expert in inorganic chemistry. On May 15th, Prof. Dr. Anna Nelles will address the invisibility of neutrinos, followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. Christoph Alexiou on May 22nd about the role of nanoparticles in medicine. These are part of the promising field of nanomedicine, which is being intensively researched, especially with regard to drugs, diagnostics and implants.

Nanomedicine in focus

The application of nanotechnologies has taken an innovative turn in medical research. The so-called nanoparticles are able to penetrate tissue more effectively, especially tumors. These particles, which must vary in size and specific properties, are also able to penetrate body barriers such as the blood-brain barrier in order to deliver drugs specifically to the brain. For example, iron-containing nanoparticles are already being used to treat certain brain tumors, but their use usually requires surgical intervention.

Another aspect of nanomedicine are theranostics, which serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. By 2014, 43 nanomedicines had already been approved in Germany, including important drugs for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Despite the promising developments, nanomedicines are not miracle cures and their effects can in some cases be comparable to conventional therapies.

Critical considerations and future prospects

The approval of nanomedicines is complex and subject to strict regulations. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) is responsible for approval, while in the EU the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is responsible. The entire process from discovery to approval can take up to 10 years, although nanomedicine may take even longer.

The lecture series in Erlangen will not only address the challenges of nanomedicine, but also the opportunities that arise from advancing research. The next lecture by Prof. Dr. Klaus Überla on June 12th will deal with the opportunities and risks of new immunization procedures. Other topics, such as considerations of light in the context of the International Year of Quantum Physics or the functioning of quantum computers, expand the spectrum of the series and offer exciting insights into the future of science.

The events promise to stimulate insightful discussions about the role of nanotechnologies in modern medicine and future developments, also based on the latest scientific findings. Experts agree that advances in nanomedicine will not only enrich medical practice, but will also have a lasting impact on research in this area.

For further information and details about the individual lectures, please consult the official website Friedrich Alexander University and the side of material-neutral.