University of Teramo

ITA | ENG

Project
"Development and Characterization of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) Directed against Tumour Antigens" aims to develop novel Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), i.e. immunoconjugates that allow chemotherapeutic drugs to be delivered to tumour sites so that healthy cells are less affected. The project’s research proposal has a high degree of innovation since it aims to generate ADCs using humanized antibodies, genetically engineered for site-specific drug delivery (thus reducing heterogeneity and the potential for biomolecular aggregation) and for the use of biomarkers that are present in many types of cancer. The results of this study may open new therapeutic perspectives that would improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Financial Resources
The project was funded by the NOP Research and Innovation 2014-2020 within Action Innovative Industrial Doctorates, Cycle XXXIII - Academic Year 2017-2018. For the implementation of this initiative, the University of Teramo received a budget of 85.743,06 euro and established a three-year doctoral scholarship in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology. 

Impact
The aim of the project is to develop research themes that can result in useful applications for human health, starting with the study of molecules that can become the targets of smart drugs able to selectively treat various types of cancer. The results may also find application in veterinary medicine. Building on the University’s network of international and cross-sector collaborations, the doctoral programme aims to train a professional able to manage complex problems related to oncology and biopharmaceuticals and to work in different environments (research centres, pharmaceutical companies). The proposed project takes into consideration the guidelines of EU policies promoting the career of young researchers, starting with the Continuing Professional Development recommendations outlined in the European Charter for Researchers. To this end, for the purposes of the Marie Skłodowska Curie projects, the University of Teramo established collaborations with leading companies operating in the fields of Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Stem Cells, and Neuroscience.
The project includes a 12-month placement at the company MediaPharma Srl in Chieti and a 6-month placement at Paoli-Calmettes Institute in Marseille.

Further Information (in Italian):

Sito dell’Università di Teramo – Presentazione del progetto

Sito dell’Università di Teramo – Sezione dedicata ai dottorati innovativi

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08/06/2021