University of Milan

PhD in Pharmacological Biomolecular Sciences, Experimental and Clinical

The doctoral program trains biomedical experts in modern pharmacological research through multidisciplinary approaches. It encompasses basic research, pharmacological-toxicological studies, innovative drug development systems, and technical-scientific collaboration. Students develop competencies for translating discoveries into clinical practice, benefiting public health and socio-economics.

The doctoral programme, a third-cycle programme, makes the most of the multidisciplinary knowledge of the teaching staff to train biomedical experts in the most modern aspects of pharmacological research. In particular, the areas of interest are:

Basic research

The study of key mechanisms and molecules in physiopathological processes to identify new pharmacological targets and/or new markers predictive of disease and therapeutic effectiveness. Research involves:

• The analysis of molecular and cellular aspects of complex physiological processes
• The study of pathogenic mechanisms in diseases
• The study of biological markers of use in translation of preclinical research to humans

The research applied to the pharmacological-toxicological study of active ingredients

• Analysis of the activity of active principles, including biological drugs under development or in clinical use
• Analysis of foods, food supplements and therapeutic plant derivatives
• Analysis of xenobiotic activity

Research applied to the creation of innovative systems for studying pathologies and developing drugs and evaluation of their effects on the population

Basic research on:

• The development of cellular and animal models also through genetic engineering methodologies.
• Optimising preclinical protocols for simple and complex diseases, including co-morbidities.
• In silico approaches to the study of new drug-toxicology targets.
• The use of databases and population studies also assess drug use and outcomes in terms of clinical events.

Technical-scientific collaboration for revising documentation on active compounds and plant protection products and for drug safety and with other clinical centres

In conclusion, students will develop competencies applicable to various areas of academic and industrial research, allowing effective "bench to bed" translation and a multidisciplinary approach essential for public health, with a significant socio-economic impact on health.