OVERVIEW
Translational research is an interdisciplinary branch of the biomedical field which aims to facilitate the application of fundamental discoveries of basic science into medical practices in order to enhance human health and well-being. Translational research implements a “bench-to-bedside” vision, harnessing the knowledge of basic science and preclinical studies with the ultimate goal to develop promising novel therapeutics and treatment options that can be used clinically and are able to be commercialized. Today, molecular alterations associated with different diseases are being deciphered by basic research studies, leading to translational research-supported discovery of new therapeutic agents designed to counteract or actually reverse such alterations. As a centre of excellence laboratory for basic and translational cancer research, we aim to provide an ideal environment with state-of-the-art platforms for target discovery and the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer. Our ambition is to advance knowledge and innovation with the future goal to deliver preclinical drug candidate molecules for progression into the clinic.
RESEARCH INTERESTSOur lab is aiming to establish a translational research niche fostered by biological discovery activities of basic research. In this context, we are interested in three linked, broad and long-term themes: (i) identifying and validating novel “druggable” cellular targets across cancer types, (ii) discovering and developing innovative biological drugs (mainly, but not limited to, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, mAbs) against such targets in the field of oncology by focusing on anti-proliferative and immunotherapy mechanisms and (iii) developing and producing “biosimilar” and “bio better” versions of already approved original biological medicines. In order to do so, our lab is interested in developing the most comprehensive and relevant models for the examination of biological pathways and disease pathobiology.
We undertake a wide range of significant research fields focused on the following major areas of investigation: (1) identification and characterization of the mechanisms driving cancer; (2) druggable target identification and validation against such mechanisms. The close proximity to basic and translational research expertise for interdisciplinary collaboration is invaluable in the selection and validation of novel cancer drug discovery targets. Our lab is at the center of characterization of cancer-specific vulnerabilities using high-throughput data combined with information on genomic abnormalities in order to increase research opportunities and support improved treatment of such diseases.