Growth, Progress, and Gratitude: 2024 Annual Review
The MLL MVZ reflects on a year filled with milestones: innovations in diagnostics, groundbreaking research, sustainable initiatives, and the expansion of international collaborations defined 2024. We continue to set standards in the service of patients. In our annual review, we present key facts and figures, new methods for diagnostics and personalized patient care, award-winning projects, the nationwide sample transport service, and other highlights from the year.
A Successful Year in Service of Patients
“May you live in interesting times” is a well-known saying, potentially of Chinese origin. And indeed, we live in interesting times. Despite societal, domestic, and geopolitical changes, our unwavering focus remains on our central mission: patient care. Approaching our 20th anniversary, we reflect on a successful year marked by innovation and growth.
2024 saw significant milestones: advancements in diagnostic methods, increased utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), and intensified international collaborations and innovation activities. With over 350 employees, a lab space of 9,000 m², and more than 133,000 samples analyzed, we continued to drive progress in diagnostics with state-of-the-art technologies. Our interdisciplinary and multi-method approach (cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, chromosome analysis and FISH, molecular genetics, and classical hematology) is conducted under the highest quality standards (ISO and CAP accreditations).
Beyond diagnostics, we remain committed to research, innovative networks, and international partnerships, including EU projects like Horizon 2020 and GenoMed4All, as well as our genome network initiative for hematology (www.genomnet.de). With 56 new publications in 2024, our body of peer-reviewed publications has grown to over 800 since our founding in August 2005. At the MLL MVZ practice, more than 4,500 patients are seen annually for diagnostics, therapy, and second opinions.
Expanding Diagnostic and Service Offerings
To enhance sensitivity in measurable residual disease (MRD) detection in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we introduced a molecular panel with a sensitivity of 0.1%, supported by technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) with molecular barcodes (UMI). This method improves MRD diagnostics' precision and aids in developing personalized follow-up strategies per the new European LeukemiaNet guidelines, in which MLL MVZ is actively involved.
We also expanded our methodology to include flow cytometry for MRD measurement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Utilizing a highly sensitive MRD panel that meets ERIC guidelines, we achieved a detection limit of 0.001%. This enables precise disease monitoring, especially during targeted therapies such as BCL-2 inhibitors.
On the service side, we launched a nationwide sample transport service at the end of 2024. This service ensures that samples are safely and reliably delivered overnight to our lab, contributing to diagnostic quality and speed. Many clients are already leveraging this service, with a broader rollout planned for Q1 and Q2 2025.
Excellence in Training: Educational Programs
From April 22–24, the annual MLL Academy hosted 14 international participants from medicine and science in Munich. The event offered a mix of theory, practical sessions, and interactive discussions on leukemia and lymphoma diagnostics, with topics covering cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, genomic sequencing, and AI-driven optimizations.
On June 19, a hybrid seminar on sickle cell disease and thalassemia, organized by LMU Munich’s Medical Clinic and Polyclinic III and MLL MVZ, attracted over 135 participants online and in person. The event focused on diagnostics and new treatment concepts, with special attention on the often overlooked alpha-thalassemia, detectable only through molecular genetics.
Networking and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
International networking and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial to modern medical research and application. In spring 2024, an MLL and MLL MVZ delegation consisting of seven managers visited the renowned Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) and ARUP Laboratories (Salt Lake City, Utah) in the USA. The focus was on sharing expertise and discussing innovative diagnostic methods. Topics discussed included the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), new approaches to measuring minimal residual disease (MRD), and the increasing use of artificial intelligence. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of close global collaboration to maintain quality while achieving faster diagnoses. Our team was able to gain valuable insights into the working methods of the partner institutions and jointly develop approaches to further optimize diagnostics. Close collaboration and co-development have been agreed on and are underway.
MLL's managing directors and other MLL MVZ experts spoke about the latest trends and developments in therapy and diagnostics, as well as the important role of AI in modern medicine at numerous high-profile events - including DLD Munich 2024, the leading European conference for innovation and technology, the analytica trade fair, the DGHO annual congress and the Süddeutsche Zeitung health forum.
From December 7–10, MLL MVZ contributed to the 66th Annual Meeting & Exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Diego, California, USA. Highlights included research on clonal hematopoiesis, myeloid leukemias, genetic and phenotypic characteristics of hematological diseases, and SH2B3 mutations in hematologic malignancies.
Focus on Regulatory Frameworks
Since its publication in May 2024, the MLL MVZ has extensively addressed the implications of the EU AI Act, the German Health Data Use Act (GDNG), and the act to accelerate the digitalization of the healthcare system ("Digital Gesetz" - DigiG) for the use of health data, particularly in the field of research. Together, these laws aim to strike a balance between the use of data and the protection of personal rights, promote innovation in the healthcare sector, and regulate the use of AI in the EU. We monitor and use this as a basis for both technology applications and data protection compliance, as well as for good science communication in the media.
In March 2024, Bavaria’s Minister of State for Health, Care and Prevention, Judith Gerlach, visited MLL and MLL MVZ to learn about the role of AI and digitalization in hematological diagnostics. MLL MVZ showcased how automation and AI enhance processes across the diagnostic workflow, from sample receipt to analysis and medical reporting. Special attention was given to innovative projects that make patient-specific diagnostics more efficient and accurate for personalized medicine.
Award-Winning Innovation
For the sixth time in a row, the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory has been awarded the TOP 100 award for innovation. The award is given to medium-sized companies based on criteria, such as innovation-friendly management, innovation climate, processes, external orientation and success. The jury focused on systematic innovation approaches and the market penetration of new developments. MLL particularly impressed the jury with its modern diagnostics based on AI and automated processes, its interdisciplinary teams and the use of technologies such as next-generation sequencing.
At the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress in Madrid, spain, in June, MLL MVZ received two awards: Managing Director Prof. Wolfgang Kern and his partners received the EHA Innovation Grant for their project on immune monitoring of myelodysplastic neoplasms. Business Unit Manager PD Dr. Gregor Hörmann accepted the HemaSphere Award for the most cited publication on behalf of the European Competence Network Mastcytosis.
Global Support Initiatives
Since July 2022, the MLL MVZ has been supporting the Help for Ukrainian Hematology Patients (HUP) network, which was established immediately after the start of the war to ensure hematological care in Ukraine. The network promotes the establishment of stem cell transplantation programs and the expansion of hematological diagnostics, supported by telemedicine and international cooperation. Since the initiative's inception, more than 2,200 samples from Ukraine have been analyzed at the MLL MVZ in approximately 9,200 tests, and results have been sent. The MLL MVZ provides results to Ukrainian hospitals free of charge and in a timely manner. Major organizations such as the WHO, ASH and EHA, as well as local and international partners, are contributing to the project's success story, which could serve as a blueprint for similar crisis regions. From 2025, the MLL MVZ will provide even greater support to the local laboratory structure in Ukraine through expertise and close exchange of personnel.
Commitment to Sustainability and Quality
MLL MVZ is committed to quality, sustainability and responsibility. With the goal of carbon neutrality, MLL MVZ relies on a certified environmental management system and continuous process improvements to protect the environment. Our system aims to reduce environmental impact and optimize the use of resources. Key measures include a digital, paperless workplace and the use of automated laboratory systems, which have significantly reduced both paper consumption and hazardous waste. The focus is on continuous improvement and teamwork to achieve environmental goals.
In addition to excellent diagnostic and therapeutic work, as a company we are committed to a value-based culture that embeds environmental, social and economic sustainability in all areas. Diversity, equal opportunity and an appreciative employee orientation characterize our work culture and underscore our commitment to a sustainable and open society. MLL combines medical excellence with a clear commitment to responsible action for a future worth living. This is why we are a proud signatory of the Diversity Charter.
Future-Oriented Human Resources Initiatives
At MLL MVZ, human resources play a central role in attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified specialists. Through targeted measures, our HR department ensures the highest quality standards in diagnostics, therapy and research. In addition to expanding the team of AI specialists, the focus in 2024 was on innovative projects and modern HR strategies to actively combat the shortage of medical specialists. An outstanding highlight of the year was the introduction of the internal "Academy for Technical Managers". In seven modules, 17 technical managers are being specifically prepared for the new disciplinary tasks they will be taking on from 2025. In addition, MLL MVZ has further increased its attractiveness as an employer with many new benefits.
Outlook
MLL MVZ is extremely stable and remains "the golden standard" in leukemia diagnostics, treatment and research. A cutting-edge, state-of-the-art laboratory, along with highly experienced personnel long trained at the MLL and highly qualified "new faces," ensures this.
The MVZ is currently undergoing a modernized, sustainable and future-oriented management structure in order to continue to provide the best possible diagnostics for patients with hematological diseases in the long term, to grow - and to optimally position themselves in a medical environment characterized by technological and regulatory dynamics.
To this cause, the management has initiated a series of future-looking measures and is relying in particular on the newly created Extended Management Board, which will be responsible for the operational management and processing of the diagnostic and commercial business units from October 2024. The entire process will be designed and implemented by Prof. Torsten Haferlach and Prof. Wolfgang Kern as Managing Directors of MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory and MLL MVZ.
We would like to thank you all for the excellent cooperation, wish you a healthy and successful year 2025 and look forward to a continued lively exchange for the benefit of all our patients!

»Do you have any questions about this report or the MLL? Please do not hesitate to contact us!«
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach
Executive Management
Internist, Hematologist and Oncologist
torsten.haferlach@mll.com