Reinhard Bredehorst

Reinhard Bredehorst (born 1946, Hamburg) is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Hamburg, holding the position from 1991 to at least 2011, and was concurrently Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Georgetown University from 1991 to 1996. A specialist in laboratory medicine and biochemistry, he obtained his MD and Dr. med. (1975) under Helmuth Hilz, completed his habilitation in physiological chemistry at the University of Hamburg (1983) and has since built a prolific career spanning basic research, translational medicine and biotechnology entrepreneurship.

Education & Qualifications

• 1975 – License to practise medicine, University of Hamburg
• 1975 – Dr. med., Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Hamburg
• 1983 – Habilitation & Venia Legendi for Physiological Chemistry, University of Hamburg
• 1984 – Specialist in Laboratory Medicine
• 1998 – Specialist in Biochemistry

Research Interests

Professor Bredehorst’s work integrates biochemistry, molecular immunology and clinical translation. His early research elucidated mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylation of proteins, providing fundamental insights into post-translational modifications. He later shifted focus to complement biology, immuno-oncology and allergy, developing recombinant allergens, diagnostic immunoassays and innovative tolerance-inducing immunotherapies. A recurring theme is the design of biomaterial-based delivery systems—such as thermosensitive hydrogels and tolerogenic liposomes—to achieve controlled, site-specific modulation of immune responses.

Scientific Awards

• GE Konjetzny Prize (1979) – Scientific work in cancer research
• Dr. Martini Prize (1982) – Scientific work on post-synthetic protein modifications
• Alan Berman Research Award (1988) – Scientific work on immunoassays
• Kind Philipp Prize (1996) – Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Entrepreneurship & Technology Transfer

Since 2004, Bredehorst has served as founding member and Scientific Director of PLS-Design GmbH and, since 2016, of Tolerogenics SarL, two biotech companies that translate his academic discoveries into clinical applications, particularly in allergen-specific immunotherapy and vaccine adjuvants.

Collaborations & Teams

His extensive publication record involves long-standing collaborations with colleagues such as Markus W. Ollert, Thomas Grunwald, Edzard Spillner, Carsten Schmidt-Weber and Simon Blank, among others, reflecting a highly interdisciplinary network bridging academia and industry.