Dr. Jan Lünemann, a world-renowned neurologist, neuroimmunologist and clinician-scientist, has joined UBC as the inaugural UBC Chair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Neurology Research.
As Chair, Dr. Lünemann will lead the BC MS Cell Therapies Translational Research Network (MS Research Network), which aims to accelerate the development of innovative therapies for people living with MS and other neurological diseases across BC, Canada and around the world. He also joins the UBC Faculty of Medicine as a Professor of Neurology and a core member of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH).
Previously, Dr. Lünemann served as Professor of Neurology at the University of Münster in Germany, where he directed one of Europe’s largest MS and neuroimmunology outpatient clinics and clinical trial centres. His research bridges immunology, neuroscience and clinical care to develop new therapeutic approaches for autoimmune neurological diseases.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lünemann to UBC,” said Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health at UBC. “His global expertise in neuroimmunology and clinical trials will strengthen UBC and Canada’s leadership in developing next-generation therapies for MS and other neurological diseases. By bridging cutting-edge research and clinical care, Dr. Lünemann will help accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into new treatments and improved outcomes for patients.”
Dr. Lünemann’s research focuses on understanding how the immune system contributes to neurological disease to support the development of more targeted and effective treatments. His work has contributed to major advances in understanding the immune mechanisms underlying MS and has informed the development of emerging immunotherapies and cell-based therapies for people living with the disease.
“With exceptional research infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise and a strong culture of translational collaboration, UBC is a remarkable destination to advance research,” said Dr. Lünemann. “I look forward to working with colleagues across the university and health system to bring the latest advances in neuroimmunology and innovative therapies closer to patients, with the shared goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with MS and other autoimmune neurological diseases.”
Advancing the future of MS therapies
MS is a progressive, life-changing autoimmune disease that typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 49. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 4,000 people diagnosed each year.
“Dr. Lünemann’s appointment will strengthen our ability to connect research directly with patient care and enhance collaborations across different disciplines,” said Dr. Lynn Raymond, Co-Director of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. “His experience leading large-scale clinics and advancing innovative therapies will help expand opportunities for patients and families in BC to access emerging treatments and clinical trials closer to home, offering new hope for people living with MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.”
The MS Research Network is focused on developing, manufacturing and testing next-generation cell therapies — treatments that use specialized engineered immune cells to fight disease more precisely — for MS and other autoimmune neurological disorders. The Network brings together expertise across disciplines including neurology, immunology, biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine.
In his role, Dr. Lünemann will work closely with the Network’s scientific pillar leads, Dr. Megan Levings, Dr. Anthony Traboulsee and Dr. Peter Zandstra, as well as with researchers and clinicians across the BC health research ecosystem.
“Dr. Lünemann brings expertise in early-phase clinical trials, immune profiling, biomarker discovery and development of novel cell-based therapies,” said Dr. Michelle Wong, Executive Director, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) and Senior Director, Research at the Faculty of Medicine. “By working closely with Faculty of Medicine-led national initiatives such as CIEBH and utilizing our platforms such as the Advanced Therapeutics Manufacturing Facility, he will contribute to the development of advanced MS innovations and help position Canada as a global leader in the growing field of cell therapies.”
Dr. Lünemann received his medical degree in Berlin, Germany, before completing postdoctoral research in cellular immunology at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Rockefeller University in New York. Prior to joining the University of Münster, he held academic and clinical leadership positions at the University of Zürich and University Hospitals of Basel and Zürich in Switzerland. He also completed an MBA in the management of clinical medicine at the University of Münster.
A version of this announcement was originally published on the UBC Faculty of Medicine website.
