I graduated in Medicine, with a Ph.D. in Haematology and Clinical Oncology.
I started my career in Medicines Development in 1975 as a Clinical Research Physician at Lepetit Milano. I had the responsibility of activating European Phase II and III studies on original NCEs (antimicrobials, corticosteroids, respiratory and cardiovascular agents), working in cooperation with my colleagues in the European affiliates. I was then appointed as Director of International Clinical Research and Drug Safety at Roche Milano where I had the responsibility of building the Clinical Research Department (which did not exist before my arrival). Our responsibility was to place in Italian and Greek sites part of the pre-NDA clinical program in order to contribute to the global NDA. In addition, based on my experience, my team had the responsibility of planning and executing the clinical development work for interferon alpha, doxifluridine, capecitabine, herceptin, rituximab in oncology and for tolcapone, moclobemide, aniracetam in CNS. Our studies were of high value and contributed to their global marketing approvals and saw significant success in the market. I then moved to the role of VP Europe at ICON Milano. My task was to establish and organize the Milano office (which ICON had not yet established) and to supervise the ongoing activities in France (an office of 150 people) and in Israel (an office of 25 people). At present, I am acting as President of Genovax, a start-up company exploring the clinical value of therapeutic vaccines in autoimmune diseases and in cancer. We have two medicines candidates in preclinical and clinical development.
My main research areas were: haematology (leukaemia, lymphoma, blood coagulation, platelets, haemophilia); anticancer agents (chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies); dermatology (psoriasis, acne, onychomycosis, melanoma, cutaneous lymphoma); CNS (Parkinson, senile dementia, depression); biotech products (IFN, IL 2, IL12, TNF, monoclonal antibodies); HIV (protease inhibitors, NNRTI); cardiovascular agents (hypertension, CHF, stroke); gastrointestinal agents (Crohn); respiratory agents (cough, asthma, cystic fibrosis); anti-infective agents (cephalosporins, antimycotics, quinolones); anaesthesia; obesity ; rheumatology (NSAIDs, monoclonal antibodies); medical devices.
I am past President of SSFA (the Italian Association of Pharmaceutical Medicine) and of IFAPP (the International Federation of Associations of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Pharmaceutical Medicine). I was involved in the Pharmatrain program since its beginning, and I am actually leading the Italian Specialist in Medicines Development (SMD) team.
I devoted a significant part of my time to education, and I supported the establishment of several University master courses in Medicines Development in Italy (Milano, Ivrea, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Catania). Finally, I was nominated Visiting Professor at the King’s College of London.
I contributed to the success of the GMDP Academy from its very beginning. I am Chair of Module 4 (which deals with Clinical Trials, my main area of scientific interest), and I am a member of the Steering Committee, supporting the Academy in its evolution. I most enjoy the opportunity to have a global audience for our courses (we reach students from more than 60 countries in the 5 continents) and, despite our courses being virtual, I enjoy interacting with all students in the discussion forum.