Francesca Malerba

Francesca Malerba, PhD, is a protein biochemist with expertise in biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focuses on developing and validating innovative assays for fluid biomarkers, with a particular interest in proNGF/NGF and their role in Alzheimer’s and related disorders. She has contributed to the establishment of a patented immunoassay for proNGF in cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating its potential to improve diagnostic accuracy. Beyond biomarker validation, she has also worked on the development of NGF-based therapeutics, exploring applications in neurology and ophthalmology. Her scientific career is marked by interdisciplinary collaborations and a translational perspective, aiming to connect basic science with clinical needs. In addition to her research, she is active in science communication, promoting dissemination events and contributing to publications such as books, brochures, and comics for the general public.