Ronit Satchi-Fainaro | Pharmacology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof Dr. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro | Pharmacology | Outstanding Scientist Award

 Cancer Biology Research Center at Tel Aviv University, Israel

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro is a prominent figure in cancer research, currently serving as a Full Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Tel Aviv University and Director of the Cancer Biology Research Center. With a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry and extensive postdoctoral training at renowned institutions, her research focuses on cancer biology, tumor dormancy, and the development of targeted nanomedicines. Satchi-Fainaro has pioneered multi-modality polymer therapeutics that combine anti-angiogenic agents with chemotherapeutics, significantly advancing the field of cancer treatment. Her impressive publication record includes groundbreaking articles in Nature Medicine and Cancer Cell, and she has filed multiple patents for her innovative findings. Additionally, she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science, including the Humboldt Foundation Bessel Research Prize. Satchi-Fainaro’s leadership in interdisciplinary research and commitment to translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications make her a leading voice in modern cancer therapeutics.

Professional Profile

Education

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro has an impressive educational background that laid the foundation for her distinguished career in pharmacology and cancer research. She earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) degree in Pharmacology from The Hebrew University, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, in June 1995. Following her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship in Industrial Pharmacy at Perio Products Ltd. in Jerusalem in March 1996. Satchi-Fainaro then pursued her Ph.D. at the University of London, specializing in polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and cancer nanomedicine. Her doctoral research, titled “PDEPT: Polymer Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy,” was completed in November 1999 under the supervision of Prof. Ruth Duncan. Subsequently, she expanded her expertise through postdoctoral fellowships at Tel Aviv University and Harvard Medical School, focusing on tumor biology, molecular biology, and protein delivery, further solidifying her status as a leader in the field of cancer research and nanomedicine.

 

Professional Experience

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro is a distinguished Full Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Tel Aviv University and serves as the Director of the Cancer Biology Research Center. With over 15 years of leadership at the university, she has spearheaded a multidisciplinary research group focused on innovative cancer therapies. Satchi-Fainaro’s expertise encompasses polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and nanomedicine, leading to the development of targeted polymer therapeutics and nano-vaccines. She has collaborated with prominent institutions, including Harvard Medical School, where she contributed to significant advances in tumor biology and angiogenesis. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her co-founding of biotech companies, such as ImmuNovation, Ltd., and her active role on various scientific advisory boards. Satchi-Fainaro has garnered numerous accolades, including the Humboldt Foundation Bessel Research Prize, reflecting her substantial impact in cancer research and drug delivery systems. Her work continues to push the boundaries of personalized medicine and cancer therapeutics

Research Interests

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro’s research interests lie at the intersection of cancer biology, pharmacology, and nanomedicine. She focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer dormancy and the tumor-host interactions that facilitate metastasis. Her innovative work involves developing targeted nanomedicines that integrate anti-stromal agents with chemotherapeutics to enhance treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity. Satchi-Fainaro’s laboratory employs advanced techniques such as molecular imaging, 3D bioprinted cancer models, and personalized theranostics to investigate tumor biology and angiogenesis. She aims to identify molecular signatures that predict tumor behavior and survivorship, driving the rational design of novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, her interdisciplinary approach combines elements of biology, chemistry, engineering, and material sciences, facilitating the development of highly selective drug delivery systems. Through her pioneering research, Satchi-Fainaro aspires to contribute to more effective cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout her distinguished career, reflecting her significant contributions to cancer research and nanomedicine. Notable accolades include the British Council Chevening Award, the Nagai Foundation Graduate Student Award, and the Fulbright Scholarship. She was recognized as a “Person of the Year” in Medicine by Forbes Israel and included in various influential lists, such as the “50 Most Influential Women” and “40 Under 40” by prominent Israeli journals. In addition, she has received the ERC Advanced Grant, the 3D Printing Industry Award for Medical Application of the Year, and the Bessel Research Prize from the Humboldt Foundation. Her work has garnered multiple research prizes for exceptional publications at Tel Aviv University and recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers (AIMBE). These accolades highlight her impactful research and leadership in advancing innovative cancer therapies.

 

Conclusion

Ronit Satchi-Fainaro is a distinguished leader in cancer research, whose innovative work in nanomedicine has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of cancer. With a robust academic background and over 15 years at Tel Aviv University, she has successfully led multidisciplinary research initiatives that tackle complex questions in tumor biology and drug delivery. Her pioneering development of multi-modality targeted nanomedicines has not only garnered numerous patents but also positioned her at the forefront of translational research. Satchi-Fainaro’s impressive publication record in high-impact journals, coupled with her numerous accolades—including the Humboldt Foundation Bessel Research Prize—underscores her contributions to science. As the Director of the Cancer Biology Research Center, she exemplifies a commitment to fostering collaboration and mentorship in the scientific community. Overall, her accomplishments and dedication to improving cancer therapies make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award.

 

Publication top noted
  • Title: interFLOW: maximum flow framework for the identification of factors mediating the signaling convergence of multiple receptors
    Authors: Sheinin, R., Salomon, K., Yeini, E., Sharan, R., Madi, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Polyester nanoparticles delivering chemotherapeutics: Learning from the past and looking to the future to enhance their clinical impact in tumor therapy
    Authors: Longobardi, G., Moore, T.L., Conte, C., Satchi-Fainaro, R., Quaglia, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Multifunctional Nanovaccine Sensitizes Breast Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Therapy
    Authors: Peres, C., Matos, A.I., Carreira, B., Satchi-Fainaro, R., Florindo, H.F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2
  • Title: Combining TIGIT Blockade with MDSC Inhibition Hinders Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis by Activating Antitumor Immunity
    Authors: Monteran, L., Ershaid, N., Scharff, Y., Zhang, X.H.-F., Erez, N.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  • Title: The role of CCL2/CCR2 axis in cancer and inflammation: The next frontier in nanomedicine
    Authors: Pozzi, S., Satchi-Fainaro, R.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  • Title: Potent antitumor activity of anti-HER2 antibody-topoisomerase I inhibitor conjugate based on self-immolative dendritic dimeric-linker
    Authors: Liubomirski, Y., Tiram, G., Scomparin, A., Shabat, D., Satchi-Fainaro, R.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  • Title: Intranasal Multiepitope PD-L1-siRNA-Based Nanovaccine: The Next-Gen COVID-19 Immunotherapy
    Authors: Acúrcio, R.C., Kleiner, R., Vaskovich-Koubi, D., Florindo, H.F., Satchi-Fainaro, R.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Polyoxazoline-Based Nanovaccine Synergizes with Tumor-Associated Macrophage Targeting and Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy against Solid Tumors
    Authors: Matos, A.I., Peres, C., Carreira, B., Satchi-Fainaro, R., Florindo, H.F.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6
  • Title: Deoxyhypusine hydroxylase: A novel therapeutic target differentially expressed in short-term vs long-term survivors of glioblastoma
    Authors: Ofek, P., Yeini, E., Arad, G., Geiger, T., Satchi-Fainaro, R.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Development of Chitosan Particles Loaded with siRNA for Cystatin C to Control Intracellular Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
    Authors: Pires, D., Mandal, M., Matos, A.I., Florindo, H.F., Anes, E.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6