Francesca Ungaro

Francesca Ungaro was born in Napoli (Italy) on May 10th, 1975. She received her Degree in Pharmacy in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2003, all from the University of Napoli Federico II. She became Assistant Professor on January 2005. In 2014 she gained the National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology (scientific field CHIM/09) and on Oct 15th, 2015 she was enrolled at the Dept. of Pharmacy of University of Napoli Federico II. In 2017 she gained the National Scientific Qualification as Full Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology (scientific field CHIM/09). Since 2000, Dr Ungaro’s research activity has been focused on the design and development of innovative drug delivery systems, with particular regard to particulate controlled release systems (i.e., micro and nanoparticles). Current Dr Ungaro’s research in this area include formulation of biodegradable particles for the delivery of poorly stable compounds (i.e., peptides, proteins and oligonucleotides), design of nanocarriers for cancer therapy and, in recent years, the attention is especially focused on the design and development of innovative formulations for drug inhalation. In 2007, she become involved in a project funded by the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation and has started to investigate new strategies for effective local treatment of chronic lung inflammation and infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Dr Ungaro’s research activity is documented by 80 scientific articles in highly-ranked peer-reviewed journals, 1 editorial, 4 book chapters, 1 patent, and more than 100 presentations at symposia.