Matteo Metruccio

- Designed and executed biomarker strategies for Ph1–Ph2 clinical trials, enabling insights into target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and mechanism of action using immune phenotyping, soluble markers, functional assays, and multi-omics approaches. - Led global cross-functional biomarker teams, driving data-informed decisions across development programs for biologics, siRNAs, and immunomodulators. - Developed and validated novel exploratory biomarkers, supporting translational research and enhancing disease

- Developed and validated GMP-compliant bioanalytical assays for drug product characterization and clinical release; managed method transfer to CROs ensuring reproducibility and regulatory adherence - Designed and planned a human observational study for drug product characterization, incorporating IRB-compliant human subjects research within a GCP framework

- Identified novel host-targets and drug candidates for modulating immune responses to intracellular pathogens (S. aureus, M. tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2) by implementation of novel in vitro infection models and genome-wide CRISPR screenings - Advanced preclinical lead identification to bridge discovery with therapeutic development - Spearheaded strategic collaborations with academia as a subject matter expert, translating scientific findings into actionable insights for drug development - Established lab infr

- Led research on host immune defenses and P. aeruginosa virulence in corneal infections using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models including development of a preclinical mouse model of contact lens-related microbial keratitis -Built multimodal translational platforms (RNAseq/WGS, LC-MS/MS proteomics, MALDI imaging, 3D confocal in vivo imaging, Cre-mouse models, bone marrow transplantation), platforms remain active and generating publications years after departure - Discovered a novel neuro-immune regulato

- Characterized the role of outer membrane vesicles in P. aeruginosa-induced keratitis across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. - Identified innate immune mechanisms at the ocular surface critical for resisting bacterial infection. - Led a collaborative project with Alcon Vision Research LLC, advancing understanding of ocular host-pathogen interactions. - Contributed key data and experimental design supporting a $1.25M NIH R01 grant on pathogen adaptation during infection.

- Investigated gene regulation and virulence mechanisms in Streptococcus agalactiae, focusing on capsule synthesis, stress response, and host adaptation. - Developed robust workflows to assess capsule gene expression across 200+ non-typeable clinical isolates. - Provided scientific guidance and hands-on training to junior scientists and PhD students in transcriptional analysis and advanced microbiology techniques. - Supported early-stage pipeline research through transcriptional profiling and pathogen chara

• Identified DNA damage response and epigenetic modifications in H. pylori infection • Characterised host-pathogen interactions during P. acnes infection

- Studied virulence gene regulation, oxidative stress response, environmental sensing, and ncRNA networks in Neisseria meningitidis. - Contributed to the functional characterization of antigen components used in the BEXSERO (GSK) meningococcal vaccine. - Trained junior researchers in BSL-3 practices, RNA workflows, and radioactive material handling.

Doctorate School in Functional Biology of Cellular and Molecular Systems (University of Bologna - Novartis V&D)