MODENA. Important milestone for research at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore): Dr Sabrina Cuoghia doctoral student in the HIPTECH doctoral program, received the award for best poster at the XXIV Emilia-Romagna Chemistry Dayheld in December 2025 at the University of Ferrara.
The research
The award was awarded for an innovative study in the field of nanomedicine applied to ocular pathologies, dedicated to the development of non-invasive treatment strategies. drug delivery for the treatment of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP), a rare genetic disease that causes progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. The research focuses in particular on P23H mutation of the rhodopsin genea, responsible for serious visual alterations. The project, financed by Unimore, is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving the research groups of professors Francesca Fanelli, Valeria Marigo and Barbara Ruozi, the latter supervisor of the doctoral student within the TEFARTI Nanotech Group. The study is also part of the PNRR initiatives, in particular in the National Center and in the Extended Partnership in Precision Medicine, confirming the strategic role of Unimore in the development of targeted and personalized therapies.
An innovative solution
From a scientific point of view, the research aims to create an innovative eye drop for the administration of 13-cis-5,8-epoxy retinoic acid (ERA), a molecule that has shown effectiveness as a molecular chaperone in preclinical models of retinitis pigmentosa. The goal is overcome the limits of current therapies based on intraocular injections, proposing a self-administered, less invasive and better tolerated solution by patients. The strategy takes advantage of theuse of cyclodextrinssubstances that improve the solubility and permeability of hydrophobic molecules, paving the way for more effective formulations.
The satisfaction of the Unimore team
«I am extremely satisfied with the work done by Sabrina and the scientific solidity of the project – comments the professor Barbara Ruozi – This award enhances the contribution of all the researchers involved and confirms the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.” «Results like this demonstrate the quality of the path of our doctoral students – underlines the prof. Giovanni Tosi, coordinator of the HIPTECH doctorate – I am goals that arise from commitment, planning and talent». «This recognition is a great motivation for me – says Dr. Cuoghi – I am happy to be part of a stimulating scientific context that contributes to my professional and personal growth». The award confirms Unimore as point of reference in the development of nanomedicines and innovative health technologies, strengthening its commitment to advanced research and precision medicine.
