News & Events
New publications from LevonanoIPF group
06 August 2026
We are pleased to announce the publication of two new scientific papers by the LevonanoIPF group that represent important milestones in the development of innovative inhalable therapies for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The first study, published in Drug Delivery and Translational Research, describes the development of an innovative spray-dried nano-embedded dry powder designed to deliver levothyroxine directly to the deep lung. By embedding levothyroxine nanoparticles within respirable microparticles, we obtained a formulation with excellent aerodynamic performance, efficient uptake by lung epithelial cells, and the ability to stimulate mitochondrial activity, while maintaining good biocompatibility. These findings provide proof of concept that targeted pulmonary delivery of levothyroxine may represent a promising strategy for the local treatment of IPF. The second publication, appearing in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, compares this innovative spra...
First online update meeting of LevonanoIPF project
15 December 2025
The first update meeting of the LevoNanoIPF project took place on December 15, bringing together partners from the University of Parma, Université Paris-Saclay, the University of Porto, and Parma Hospital. The online meeting provided an overview of scientific progress, administrative matters, and upcoming activities. Significant advances were presented in the development and characterization of inhalable nanoparticles, with promising in vitro results in terms of lung deposition, cellular safety, and internalization. The consortium also discussed the start of in vivo studies, data management in line with the Data Management Plan, and risk mitigation strategies. The project roadmap was confirmed, and future research and dissemination activities were planned. ...
Meeting between LevoNanoIPF members and See-Life Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging from CNR (Pisa)
05 November 2025
Parma, November 5, 2025 – The University of Parma hosted a meeting between the Coordination unit of the LevoNano-IPF project, the collaborators from Nuclear Medicine Department of the University Hospital of Parma and a group led by Dr. Luca Menichetti from the See-Life Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) of Pisa. The meeting laid the foundation for collaboration in advanced imaging among the research groups, with the goal of evaluating the effectiveness of lung administration of the innovative formulation developed within the LevoNanoIPF project in murine models. During the meeting, participants shared expertise on inhalation delivery in animal models and on the use of radiomarkers suitable for tracking Levo-thyroxine. ...
Kickoff Meeting
27 February 2025
Parma, February 27, 2025 – The University of Parma hosted the kick-off meeting of LevoNano-IPF, a 36-month international research project officially started on February 3, 2025, aimed at developing a new therapeutic strategy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a severe and currently incurable lung disease. Funded by national agencies in Italy, France, and Portugal, under the umbrella of ERA4Health partnership, the project brings together the University of Parma, Université Paris-Saclay (CNRS), and the I3S – University of Porto, with the University Hospital of Parma as a collaborator. The project explores a novel approach based on reactivating mitochondrial function in fibrotic lung tissue using thyroid hormone T4 delivered through polymeric nanoparticles formulated as an inhalable dry powder. This strategy aims to overcome T4’s low solubility and improve its therapeutic effectiveness in the lungs. During the meeting, partners discussed the Consortium Agreement, pro...
