National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology

The National Center for the Development of Gene Therapy and RNA-based Drugs conducts research in strategically important areas for the country to produce therapies or devise procedures for human health, integrating therapy development with precision delivery. It aims to create and renew research infrastructures and laboratories, develop research programs and activities to foster the emergence and growth of technology-intensive entrepreneurial initiatives (innovative start-ups and research spin-offs), and promote the valorization of research results in specified fields.

The Center focuses its activities on high-value innovative areas, such as gene therapy applied to cancer treatment or hereditary diseases, and RNA-based technologies, integrating advanced biocomputing and intelligent nanomaterials expertise. In the selected strategic areas, the Center aspires to become a leading excellence and reference point for Europe to enhance our country's competitiveness in the development of cutting-edge drugs.

The personnel of the University of Catania actively participate in the activities of Spoke 2 "Cancer," engaging in research aimed at developing genetic therapies and drugs based on RNA technology, with the main goal of combating cancer in all its forms. In this context, the Center is committed to building a strong knowledge base in advanced gene therapy technologies, focusing on RNA-based gene expression modulation techniques targeting molecular entities associated with the development and progression of neoplastic pathologies. The project also aims to identify and develop RNA-based drugs, such as non-coding RNA (miRNAs, lncRNA, etc.) inhibitors or antisense oligonucleotides, to target specific genes involved in cancer progression using personalized care approaches through high-throughput and highly sensitive molecular analysis techniques.

Transversal objectives also include creating networks of collaboration between national and international scientific institutions and research centers, as well as providing training to young researchers with expertise and advanced skills in the field of gene therapy and RNA pharmacology.

Finally, the Center is committed to ensuring fair and sustainable access to new genetic therapies and RNA-based drugs for all patients who can benefit from them. This includes negotiating treatment costs with health authorities and implementing strategies to reduce drug production costs.

Through the achievement of these objectives, the National Center for the Development of Gene Therapy and RNA-based Drugs, Spoke Cancer, aims to revolutionize the approach to the fight against cancer, providing innovative, targeted, and personalized therapeutic options, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for patients affected by this devastating disease.