National
Project Fact Sheet
- Operational Programme: National Operational Programme (PON) “Enterprises and Competitiveness” 2014-2020 ERDF
- Axis / Investment Priority / Action: Axis I – Investment Priority 1b – Action 1.1.3
- Project Code: F/180012/03/X43
- Beneficiary: University of Florence – Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
- Total Funding / Support: € 1,199,112.76
Project Title
SVATT: Development and Preclinical Validation of a THERANOSTIC Treatment for Melanoma Cancer Based on the Use of Immune System Cells (T Cells), Enhanced by Loading with Magnetic Nanoparticles to Enable Specific Drug Delivery, Localized Hyperthermia Application, and Advanced MRI Diagnostics.
Purpose
Validation and Product Authorization
Project Rationale
The SVATT project rationale involves validating the use of immune system cells—specifically cytotoxic T CD8+ lymphocytes (CTLs)—selected for their antigenic specificity against melanoma tumors and loaded with NBR21+Curcumin (ferromagnetic nanoparticles conjugated with the drug curcumin, produced by the partner Colorobbia). Utilizing amplification equipment (CELLF, developed by the partner Kayser Italia), this construct can be activated by a magnetic field (via equipment designed by the partner El.En.) to achieve an enhanced tumor-killing effect.
Expected and Achieved Results by UNIFI-DMSC
- Validation and standardization of the engineering method for melanoma-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes using NBR21 and NBR21+Curcumin.
- Validation of CD8+ T lymphocyte amplification and engineering with NBR21 and NBR21+Curcumin within the CELLF device.
- In vitro efficacy proof on tumor cell lines treated with engineered cytotoxic lymphocytes and subjected to hyperthermia.
- In vivo efficacy proof of the treatment on melanoma tumors in animal models.
- Classification request as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) for the product developed within the SVATT project, named: CURANBRECLY (Curcumin Activated Nanoparticles engineered C-Lymphocytes).
Last update
03.06.2026