Advancing Medical Science: Prof. Napoleone Ferrara on the Discovery of VEGF, Industry vs. Academia, and Future Innovations
In this #ISSNAFStory, Napoleone Ferrara, a distinguished professor of pathology at UC San Diego and a trailblazer in medical research, shares insights into his pioneering work on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its transformative impact on treating eye diseases and certain cancers.
Prof. Ferrara traces his path from his studies in Catania, Italy, to UCSF, where his research on unique pituitary cells led to the discovery of VEGF. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined Genentech in 1988, a move that provided cutting-edge resources to isolate and study VEGF, ultimately facilitating the development of treatments for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Now, at UC San Diego, Ferrara’s research focuses on enhancing VEGF inhibitors to offer patients longer-lasting relief with fewer treatments.
Reflecting on his career in both industry and academia, Ferrara highlights how Genentech afforded him freedom and resources for applied research that academia's grant-dependent structure might have limited. He encourages young scientists to follow their genuine interests, believing it leads to more rewarding careers.
Prof. Ferrara also comments on the growing role of artificial intelligence in biomedicine and expresses his excitement about fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing as a newly elected member of the ISSNAF board.
Find more about Prof. Ferrara and other ISSNAF | Members in Action!
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