THE INSTITUTE OF HAEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION (IHBT)
The Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (IHBT), is the largest centre for translational medicine in the field of haematology in the Czech Republic. Its mission is to provide advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art treatments to haematological patients. IHBT specialises in the treatment of haematological malignancies, i.e., acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and rare diseases affecting coagulation and red blood cell function.
Our translational approach is based on close collaboration between the institute’s three principal divisions – Science and Research, Clinical, and Transfusiological. These provide not only research infrastructure but also expertise to translate research findings into clinical trials and, ultimately, into practical clinical applications.
The Science and Research division represents IHBT’s biomarker discovery and diagnostics platform. It is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, enabling multi-omics-based research that encompasses genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and cellular interactomics, complemented by immunomonitoring facilities. In addition to its research infrastructure, the division possesses extensive expertise in molecular genetics, cellular biology, immunology, and biochemistry. This includes a variety of optimised assays, including certified clinical diagnostic tests and GMP tests for assessing cell-based products and their function.
The Clinical division provides medical care for haematological patients, treating approximately 25,000 patients per year, including 70 hematopoietic transplantations. It is highly proficient in conducting clinical trials. Over the last five years, the division has successfully conducted 19 trials in collaboration with academia and pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, the Department of Clinical Studies, an integral component of the Clinical Division, can assist with setting up clinical trials.
In addition to conducting clinical trials, the Clinical Division houses GMP facilities dedicated to manufacturing cell-based therapies. These facilities feature GMP clean rooms, which are equipped to manufacture minimally manipulated and gene-modified cell products, such as chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells (CAR-T). An integral part of the clinical facilities, the IHBT biobank is a member of the Czech node of BBMRI-ERIC.
The Transfusiological division houses facilities for the manufacturing of blood products, including red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and leukocytes. These products can be used directly or, in the case of leukocytes, as a source of material for further processing. Additionally, the division features specialized facilities for the isolation and preparation of CD34+ stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as the isolation of donor lymphocytes and virus-specific T cells for the treatment of post-transplant complications.
IHBT’s translational medicine platform provides a robust bridge between basic research and clinical trials.
