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Nerviano Medical Sciences must be saved!

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di Alberto Mantovani
Pubblicato il 03/04/2009Read time: 2 mins
Scientific research institution

Nerviano Medical Sciences (NMS), a centre at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical research in the field of oncology, is in danger of closure, leaving 650 researches unemployed.  While  other countries invest millions of euros in such places of excellence, Italy is on the brink of letting one of their top research institutes close. This centre is indispensable for the country and for all those affected by cancer. It is inconceivable that such a place is on the brink of closure.  We must save Nerviano Medical Sciences.

One year ago, the Congregation aquired the centre from Pfizer at which time they announced their commitment to invest 70 million euros. Today, there is no money and the research centre is on the brink of bankruptcy, risking unemployment for 600 researchers. Is there reason to be concerned?  Yes, because it has been suggested that that the new owner is more interested in the grounds, situated near the fiera/expo areas, than medical research.
NMS is the largest pharmaceutical centre for cancer research in Europe and among the most advanced worldwide: At its heart lies the knowledge and technology required for a modern, competitive approach to research and development of new anti-cancer agents.NMS represents the continuation of the historical research carried out by Farmitalia Carlo Erba that included the discovery of anthracyclins, a discovery which revolutionised the therapeutic approach to cancer.
Following the spin-off from Pfizer in May 2004, the number of projects and clinical studies undertaken by the centre has increased considerably.Among the most recent results is the completion, with encouraging outcomes, of phase I and II clinical trials of the first inhibitor of the oncogene Aurora, a protein involved in uncontrolled cell proliferation in a vast number of tumours.
In addition, 3 new drugs are ready for entry into clinical trials (Phase I) in 2009 and more than 20 projects are currently in preclinical studies.NMS can also boast a number of collaborations with strong innovative industrial partners such as Genentech and Bristol Mayers Squibb (BMS).For all these reasons the research centre in Nerviano represents a unique and precious heritage for the Italian and global research community.
This is why we ask you to help us find a solution to safeguard the survival of this centre of research and development. The importance of which is not only for the region and the country in which it resides, but above all for those affected by cancer, for whom it represents genuine hope.

Sign petition for Nerviano Medical Sciences

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