The DRFZ was founded in 1988 and is an interdisciplinary research center devoted to the research of rheumatic diseases. At present, it is considered one of the leading international institutes in the field of immunology, experimental rheumatology and epidemiology.

The term "rheumatism" encompasses a wide range of different diseases. Adults, young people and even children can be affected by chronic inflammatory diseases. In Germany, a total of 1,5 million people suffer from rheumatism. 

The scientists at the DRFZ work in different branches and groups, and their common goal is to decode rheumatic diseases. We want to find out why the immune system doesn?t function properly, and how faulty processes in the body can be regulated systematically. We analyze the effectiveness and safety of new therapies, and how people affected by rheumatism live with their disease. Since our knowledge of the causes and the course of rheumatic diseases keeps growing steadily, a wide range of rheumatic diseases can already be treated effectively.

Our main goal: healing rheumatism. 

The rheumatism researchers