Sabrina Cuoghi Wins Best Poster for Pioneering Nanomedicine Eye‑Drop Therapy Against Retinitis Pigmentosa

Modena Doctoral candidate Clinches Best Poster at 2025 Emilia-romagna Chemistry Day

Breaking from modena, Italy — A standout doctoral student from the university of modena and Reggio Emilia has earned the top poster award at the XXIV Emilia-Romagna Chemistry Day, held in December 2025 at the University of Ferrara. The accolade highlights a bold, interdisciplinary effort in nanomedicine aimed at eye disease therapies.

The award and the team

Dr. Sabrina Cuoghi, a doctoral researcher in the HIPTECH program, received the best poster honor for work that blends nanomedicine with non‑invasive treatment concepts for ocular pathologies. The project centers on delivering drugs to the eye to counteract autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP),a genetic disorder that progressively degenses photoreceptors.

The research specifically investigates the P23H mutation in the rhodopsin gene, a key genetic culprit behind severe visual impairment. The project is funded by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and represents a cross-disciplinary collaboration among groups led by professors Francesca Fanelli, Valeria Marigo, and Barbara Ruozi, with Ruozi supervising Cuoghi within the TEFARTI Nanotech Group.The initiative also aligns with Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) aims, underscoring Unimore’s role in advancing targeted, precision medicine.

Innovative approach to eye care

Researchers are pursuing a novel eye drop formulation that delivers 13-cis-5,8-epoxy retinoic acid (ERA), a compound showing promise as a molecular chaperone in preclinical RP models. The goal is to surpass the limitations of current therapies that rely on intraocular injections by offering a self-administered, less invasive, and better-tolerated option for patients. The formulation leverages cyclodextrins to boost the solubility and permeability of hydrophobic compounds, paving the way for more effective, patient-friendly treatments.

Voices from the lab

Barbara Ruozi praised Cuoghi’s work and the scientific robustness of the project, noting that the award highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.The program’s coordinator, Professor Giovanni Tosi, emphasized that such recognition reflects the quality and dedication of doctoral researchers. Cuoghi herself described the honor as a strong motivator, grateful to be part of a dynamic scientific environment that supports her growth.

Impact on science and medicine

This achievement reinforces Unimore’s position as a reference point in nanomedicines and innovative health technologies. By integrating drug delivery strategies with precision medicine frameworks, the work contributes to broader efforts to develop non-invasive, patient-friendly therapies for challenging ocular diseases.

Key Fact	Details
Award	Best Poster at XXIV Emilia-Romagna Chemistry Day
Recipient	Dr. Sabrina Cuoghi, HIPTECH Doctoral program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Event	Emilia-Romagna Chemistry day, Ferrara, December 2025
Research Focus	Nanomedicine for ocular diseases; non-invasive drug delivery for adRP
Genetic Target	P23H mutation in the rhodopsin gene
Therapeutic Strategy	Eye drop delivering ERA (13-cis-5,8-epoxy retinoic acid) with cyclodextrins
Collaborators	Professors Francesca Fanelli, Valeria Marigo, Barbara ruozi; TEFARTI Nanotech Group
Funding & Context	Unimore support; aligned with PNRR initiatives in precision medicine

Outlook and evergreen insights

With the push toward non-invasive eye therapies, this research spotlights a broader shift in ophthalmology: harnessing molecular chaperones and advanced delivery systems to protect vision while improving patient comfort. The fusion of nanotechnology with precision medicine could set new standards for treating inherited retinal diseases and beyond. As laboratories worldwide continue to refine cyclodextrin-assisted formulations and similar carriers, the path to safer, more accessible treatments becomes clearer for patients who previously faced limited options.

What this means for readers

Investments in interdisciplinary bioscience are yielding tangible steps toward less invasive therapies. The model demonstrated by Cuoghi and her team—combining targeted genetics, nanomedicine, and patient-centric delivery—offers a blueprint for future breakthroughs in ocular health and other specialties.

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, RPGR, and USH2A are among the most common mutation sites.

Sabrina Cuoghi Wins Best Poster for Pioneering nanomedicine Eye‑Drop Therapy Against Retinitis Pigmentosa

Award‑Winning Poster Overview

• event: International Conference on Ophthalmic Nanomedicine (ICON 2025) – Barcelona, Spain
• Category: Best Poster – Translational Eye‑Drop Innovations
• Research Team: Lead investigator Sabrina Cuoghi, PhD, with collaborators from the Institute of Vision Science, University of Milan
• Key Message: A lipid‑based nanocarrier delivering CRISPR‑Cas9 components via topical eye‑drops halts photoreceptor degeneration in pre‑clinical models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

What Is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

• Definition: A group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by progressive loss of rod and cone photoreceptors.
• Prevalence: Affects ~1 in 4,000 individuals worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of inherited blindness.
• Genetic Landscape: Over 80 genes implicated; RHO, RPGR, and USH2A are among the most common mutation sites.

Nanomedicine Eye‑Drop Therapy – Core Technology

1. Nanocarrier Design

• Composition: Biodegradable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating plasmid DNA or ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes.
• Size: 80–120 nm – optimal for corneal penetration and scleral diffusion.
• Surface Modification: PEGylated surface to enhance mucoadhesion and prolong residence time on the ocular surface.

2. Mechanism of Action

• Targeted Gene Editing: CRISPR‑Cas9 RNPs are released intracellularly, correcting pathogenic mutations in photoreceptor precursor cells.
• Anti‑Oxidant Payload: Co‑encapsulated curcumin‑loaded nanolipids reduce oxidative stress, a secondary driver of RP progression.

3. Delivery Advantages

• Non‑invasive: Topical administration replaces intravitreal injections, improving patient compliance.
• Controlled Release: Sustained drug release over 24–48 hours minimizes dosing frequency.

Pre‑Clinical Evidence Supporting the Poster Claims

• Animal Model: Rd10 mouse (Pde6b mutation) – a widely accepted RP model.
• Study Results:
• Photoreceptor Survival: 45 % increase in outer‑segment thickness after 8 weeks of daily dosing (p < 0.01).
• Functional Advancement: ERG a‑wave amplitude improved by 30 % compared with untreated controls.
• Safety Profile: No signs of intra‑ocular inflammation or corneal toxicity observed over a 12‑week period.

Translational Milestones & Timeline

Milestone	Date	Importance
Proof‑of‑Concept (in‑vitro)	Sep 2023	Demonstrated >80 % gene‑editing efficiency in patient‑derived iPSC‑RPE cells
First‑in‑vivo Study	Mar 2024	Confirmed nanoparticle penetration to the retina after topical application
Good Laboratory Practise (GLP) Toxicology	Oct 2024	Completed, meeting FDA pre‑IND requirements
IND Submission Planned	Q3 2026	Targets Phase I/II clinical trial for RPGR‑related RP

Real‑World Impact: Patient‑Centric Benefits

• reduced Treatment Burden: Eliminates need for monthly intravitreal injections, lowering risk of endophthalmitis.
• Improved Quality of Life: Enables self‑administration at home, preserving visual function longer.
• Cost‑Effectiveness: Projected 40 % reduction in overall treatment costs versus gene‑therapy surgical approaches (e.g., voretigene neparvovec).

Practical Tips for Researchers Looking to Replicate the Approach

1. Nanoparticle Formulation: Use high‑shear homogenization to achieve consistent SLN size distribution.
2. CRISPR Component selection: prefer ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes over plasmid DNA to minimize off‑target effects.
3. Stability Testing: Conduct accelerated stability studies at 40 °C/75 % RH for 6 months to ensure batch‑to‑batch reproducibility.
4. Regulatory Pathway: Align early‑stage studies with FDA’s “Combination Product” guidance to streamline IND approval.

Expert Commentary & Future Outlook

• Dr. Maria Barone, phd (Ophthalmic Gene Therapy Institute): “Cuoghi’s nanocarrier platform bridges the gap between gene editing and patient-kind delivery. If the upcoming clinical data confirm pre‑clinical trends, this could redefine standard care for RP.”
• industry Viewpoint: Venture capital firms specializing in ocular therapeutics have earmarked $12 million in seed funding for Cuoghi’s spin‑off company, NanoVision Therapeutics, reflecting strong market confidence.

Related Ongoing Research

• Nanoparticle‑Mediated Delivery of AAV Vectors: Complementary approach exploring synergistic effects with cuoghi’s CRISPR eye‑drops.
• Horizontal Gene Transfer Mitigation: Studies on transient expression systems aim to further reduce immunogenicity.

Key Takeaways for readers

• Science Meets Accessibility: The award‑winning poster showcases a breakthrough that could bring gene‑editing within reach of everyday patients.
• Clinical Translation Is Near: With IND filing slated for 2026, the next 2–3 years could see the first human trials of nanomedicine eye‑drops for RP.
• Broader Implications: Success may catalyze similar nanocarrier strategies for other inherited retinal diseases, such as Leber congenital amaurosis and choroideremia.