5 November 2025, Milan — Organized by the University of Milan, the second scientific congress of Spoke 9 welcomed leading experts and researchers for an in-depth scientific exchange and discussion on the emerging field of RNA-based therapeutics.
Held in the Giorgio Squinzi Auditorium of the Assolombarda Congress Center, the two-day event, titled “The Pharmacology of RNA Drugs: An Unmet Pharmacological Need Tackled by the National Center of RNA Drugs,” focused on the pharmacological, regulatory, and economic dimensions of RNA drugs, including mRNA vaccines, siRNA-based treatments, aptamers, and antisense oligonucleotides. Offering a comprehensive overview of current research and innovation, the program featured oral presentations, poster sessions, and roundtable discussions.
The first day began with welcoming remarks from Prof. Marina Brambilla (Rector of the University of Milan), Prof. Rosario Rizzuto (President of the National Center), and Prof. Monica Di Luca (Vice Rector for Research, University of Milan), followed by an opening address by the Scientific Coordinator of Spoke 9, Prof. Paolo Ciana of the University of Milan.
As part of the international component, Prof. Donald McDonnell of Duke University School of Medicine (North Carolina, USA) delivered a lecture titled “The Key to Success in the Drug Discovery Pathway: A Mix of Old Principles and New Technologies for Innovative Drugs.” The day continued with scientific sessions focusing on mRNA vaccines, siRNA-based drugs, and regulatory aspects, with discussions led by experts from Italian universities and research centers.
