MODENA, ITALY: HEALTH, NEW FRONTIERS
From "LA GAZZETTA DI MODENA", 26 April 2008 (Italian Newspaper)
Author: Saverio Cioce
The Centre of Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", led by Prof. Michele De Luca, is one of the four world centres where the highest level of research on stem cells is being developed and ready to go.
...Only three photos of children in the director's office show the world of possible future medicine that works on cells just as in a botanic garden, increasing body tissues which have been destroyed by disease or accidents.
For example, not only burnt skin or skin devastated by blisters but also ocular cornea which can be restored and where sight is completely recovered.
"We have a long way to go but we are on the right track" said Michele De Luca, the soul and leading force of the Centre of Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari". "Here we are building a piece of medicine of the future, but we know that a lot of patience and humility is needed. There's no other chance".
In a couple of weeks, 15 scientists are going to work together in the centre which is at the forefront of its field of expertise and cost € 15.000.000,00.
Recently the Emilia-Romagna Regional Authorities have established investments of € 3,000.000,00 specifically devoted to research lines proxy to clinical application. Shortly, on completion of staffing the premises, 60 people will be working at the Centre of Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari".
De Luca talks with calm, without emphasis and describes the evolution and the steps of a long cultivated dream that has come true. Many Italian researchers working abroad are packing their bags so that they can come to work with him. Neither money nor homesickness prompts their return, just the conviction of taking part in a research pool without equals in Europe. "I'm not saying so, it's the international scientific community that thinks so".
| A LITTLE 'UNO' Scientists will come even from Canada and Singapore to study the various therapies. If the leading group is formed by 15 Italian researchers, the bioscience citadel in Gottardi str. will get scientists from all over the world. |
EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA Centre of Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari" will specialize in this particular pathology where one child per 17,000 is afflicted. 800 Italian families have got a child affected with EB. |
A TEAM AGREEMENT The origins of come Centre of Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari" from a long scientific and organizational background. The principal of the Bioscience Faculty, Stefano Ferrari, deserves a special mention for his involvement in raising academic and financial support. Alongside De Luca, there are other two essential colleagues: Graziella Pellegrini, a scientist playing a decisive role in cell therapy and Fulvio Mavilio, an authority in the field of gene therapy. |
SOON TO COME: THE BUTTERFLY CHILDREN HOUSE IN MODENA
Children afflicted with this pathology are called Butterfly Children: the definition is poetic, the disease is terrifying, Epidermolysis Bullosa.
For 800 Butterfly Children Modena is becoming a sort of therapeutic sanctuary because the Centre will be a unique opportunity to stop and revert the disease. "They put those photos before my eyes just to remind me: don't give up" said Michele De Luca with affection. "Debra Italy, that unites EB patients and their families, is very active in raising funds and promoting social initiatives. Now parents see Modena and its centre as a point of reference where hope in a life free of pain and disease has returned".