The Future Is Now: Italy’s National Center enters a new phase for gene therapies and RNA-based medicines

April 2, 2026 Rome – The event “The Future Is Now: from achievements to new frontiers in RNA-based medicines and gene therapy” took place today at the Valerio Nobili Auditorium of the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, marking the conclusion of the PNRR-funded phase of the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology and the beginning of a new strategic phase for biomedical research in Italy.

The initiative provided a key opportunity to present the results achieved through over €320 million in public investment and to outline the future of a national integrated ecosystem capable of developing, producing, and delivering advanced therapeutic technologies.

A dialogue between institutions, research and industry

Moderated by Luigi Ripamonti (Corriere della Sera), the event opened with institutional remarks from Andrea Onetti Muda (Scientific Director, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital), Rosario Rizzuto (President, National Center RNA & Gene Therapy), Francesca Galli (Manager, Technical Secretariat, Ministry of University and Research), and Maria Rosaria Campitiello (Head of Research and Prevention Department, Ministry of Health).

The program continued with a session focused on translating scientific research into personalized therapeutic solutions, featuring Franco Locatelli, Angela Zampella, Ilaria Ottonelli and Filippo Begarani.

A roundtable discussion on the future of biomedical research beyond the PNRR concluded the event, featuring Rosario Rizzuto, Stefano Paleari and Paolo Foggi.

From public investment to industrial capability

Promoted by the Ministry of University and Research, the National Center represents one of the most significant investments ever made in Italy in technology transfer within the biomedical sector.

“Today, Italy is no longer only a buyer, but also a producer of advanced medical technologies,” said Rosario Rizzuto.

From research to industry: building a national value chain

The Center has demonstrated a strong ability to translate research into economic and industrial value.

A total of 34 technology transfer projects were supported, with €16 million invested. Initiatives such as the GeneRNAtion Challenge, developed with Intesa Sanpaolo, have accelerated the growth of high-potential startups.

The public-private model finds further expression in the development of automated platforms based on artificial intelligence for the production of advanced pharmaceuticals.

“We have concentrated the entire process in a machine measuring just a few cubic meters,” explained Filippo Begarani (Research & Innovation Manager PBL). The system reduces costs and improves efficiency, eliminating the need for traditional clean rooms.

Beyond the PNRR: a long-term strategy

With the conclusion of the PNRR phase, the Center is entering a new stage of development.

It will evolve into an open innovation hub, welcoming new public and private partners. Future programs will focus on technological development and precision medicine, particularly in Southern Italy.

International collaborations are already underway with leading academic and research institutions.

“The future of this model is built on openness and new strategic alliances,” Rizzuto concluded.

A lasting transformation

The PNRR legacy is clear: a stronger, integrated, and globally competitive ecosystem in gene therapy and RNA-based medicine.

What began as a public investment has become a national innovation platform, bringing research closer to patients and positioning Italy among the leaders of European biomedicine.

Full recording of the event available here: YouTube 2 April 2026 The Future is Now