iBiotech International Collaboration Goes from Strength to Strength!
03 Apr 2025
Published in: Member News
iBiotech LTD (a startup company based in Wolverhampton) have successfully completed a research placement with the University of Milan, improving our understanding of Parkinson's Disease.
Claudia Novello, a PhD researcher from the University of Milan, has concluded a highly productive six-month placement at the University of Wolverhampton, contributing significantly to Parkinson's Disease research being undertaken with iBiotech and work done at the University of Wolverhampton. This exciting work will enable the scientific community to understand some of the potential for new, sustainably produced treatments.
Claudia arrived at Wolverhampton in September 2024 to collaborate with Dr Hafid Omar (Reader in Immunology within the Research Institute in Healthcare Science; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) and Dr Mark Morris (Reader in Molecular Oncology and Director of the Research Institute of Healthcare Sciences; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton).
The work focused on utilising human tissue cell models to investigate the complexities of Parkinson's Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. During Claudia's time with iBiotech, she did lab-based work within the Rosalind Franklin Building (RFB). "Claudia worked with dedication throughout her placement, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to her research, she also helped students at the University, preparing samples and sharing her knowledge" said Dr Brian Johnston, Senior Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences and iBiotech founder. Dr Johnston along with Dr Mattia Parati (who inspired the research project) supervised practical aspects of the project and the potential next steps for the research.
iBiotech facilitated Claudia’s visit via a PhD sponsorship programme that is part of an ongoing industrial collaboration with the University of Milan. Dr Johnston will also be contributing to further aspects of the Parkinson’s project thanks to support from Professor Iza Radecka and other members of the University team. Professor Sabbir Ahmed (Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) said “the project undertaken is an excellent example of how multidisciplinary teams can come together to produce highly positive and impactful results.”
Claudia's work has also resulted in the submission of a research paper in a leading scientific journal, with publication expected by June 2025. Her supervisor in Milan, Professor Graziella Cappelletti of the University of Milan, expressed immense satisfaction with the progress, saying "Claudia's work has been outstanding, and we are thrilled with the advancements she has made during her time in Wolverhampton."
iBiotech is proud to announce that this collaborative research project will be further showcased at a prestigious conference at Cambridge University in April 2025, "Facing the Complexity of Synucleinopathies," during the proceedings poster competition. This event will bring together world-renowned experts in Parkinson's Disease and protein research, including Professor Werner Poewe (Medical University Innsbruck), Professor Michele Hu (Professor of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford) and Professor John Hardy (University College London). The conference will feature discussions on crucial topics such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), prodromal synucleinopathies, the genetic complexity of Parkinson's Disease, and clinical-imaging subtypes.
The placement and iBiotech's continuing work developing sustainable materials, underscores the importance of international collaboration, advancing scientific research and fostering the next generation of researchers. iBiotech would like to thank the University of Wolverhampton for their technical support and other contributors, including local businessman Mr Guy Cheema, Sky's the Limit (USA) and SPEED at the Wolverhampton Science Park.
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