The project, funded by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), concerns, in particular, the development of drug-conjugated antibodies (DCA), to be used for the treatment of oncological diseases with no effective cure. The research and development activities of the DCAs will be led by Professor Claudio Pisano, with a key role assigned to the Protein and Antibody Production Unit of Biogem, directed by Dr. Alessandra Fucci. The project also includes the collaboration of several Italian universities and is based on a multidisciplinary approach. In fact, molecular biology and protein engineering (for the development of high-affinity antibodies) are involved, as well as pharmaceutical chemistry (for the optimization of linkers and cytotoxic drugs). In addition, advanced preclinical models are created to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the product.

<<DCAs – explains Professor Pisano – are one of the most advanced frontiers of modern oncology. By combining the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the power of cytotoxic drugs, they guarantee a targeted action on tumor cells and minimize side effects on healthy tissues>>. <<The new project launched at Biogem – adds Dr. Fucci – is aimed at developing new-generation DCAs, characterized by a high safety and efficacy profile, to be started in the preclinical and clinical phases>>. <<In this way – finally underlines Alessandra Fucci – we will open new perspectives for the creation of personalized drugs, capable of offering new therapeutic options to patients>>.