By In an amiable meeting held this morning at Casa Cucinelli in Milan, with friends and journalists in attendance, Brunello Cucinelli outlined an important new project for a noble cause. Through Foro delle Arti Srl, the Cucinelli family has committed to supporting scientific research by signing an agreement with TES Pharma and the XGEN Venture fund in order to promote innovation that blends harmoniously with the fundamental values of humanism.
TES Pharma srl, founded in 2010 by Roberto Pellicciari – then Professor at the University of Perugia – and some of his most esteemed co-workers, focuses on the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of metabolic and oncological diseases. TES Pharma’s commitment to turning research into hope reflects a deep dedication to humanity, underlining the shared goal of bringing light into the lives affected by these conditions. The company’s name, TES, which means “to heal, to treat, to love” in Etruscan, reflects not only the link with the history of our beloved Umbria region, but it is also proof that safeguarding and healing is not only about maintaining and protecting but also about discovering and innovating.
Professor Roberto Pellicciari is an internationally renowned scientist for his research achievements, including the discovery of Obeticholic Acid, a 2016 FDA-approved drug for the treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Roberto Pellicciari brings with him a wealth of experience and international recognition. The Cucinelli family’s admiration and respect for him is reflected in this project, which aims for a productive dialogue between advanced science and humanistic culture.
The collaboration encompasses the venture capital fund XGEN Venture, specialising in the medical-scientific field, founded by Dr Paolo Fundarò, Dr Federica Draghi and Dr Daniele Scarinci. The fund, recently launched by the three managers after their successful experience in Genextra, supports innovative start-ups in the field of biotechnology and medical devices, mainly in Italy, and has already invested in five companies in the industry.
The investment agreement also provided for the appointment of the new CEO of TES, Dr. Luca Benatti, an internationally experienced manager devoted to advancing Italian research. The various companies where he acted as manager and founder include Newron – now listed in Zurich – manufacturer of Xdago, an innovative drug for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease; EryDel, set up by Professor Magnani of the Urbino University, with an innovative therapy under development for the treatment of ataxia, a serious rare disease that affects children and for which there is currently no cure.
At the same time, Prof. Pellicciari will be appointed Chief Scientific Advisor of TES.
Brunello Cucinelli commented as follows: “Science is a noble discipline that has always accompanied the evolution of mankind, placing people at the centre and turning knowledge into a fertile breeding ground for the growth of the human being in harmony with Creation. The fascinating research behind all scientific knowledge is the finest lesson we can draw from the history of human knowledge. I see this as consistent with the “care-taking” culture that has always inspired our Solomeo-based company.
Therefore, to partner with TES Pharma and Professor Roberto Pellicciari, a scientist friend of mine, as well as with the esteemed XGEN with Paolo Fundarò and Federica Draghi, is for me a source of great pride and utmost ethical guarantee of harmony between professionalism and humanity. We will endeavour to do “beautiful things” together, under the banner of Human Sustainability”.
Roberto Pellicciari commented as follows: “For many years I have had the privilege of guiding TES Pharma and its young, talented and passionate researchers in their efforts to discover drugs for diseases for which there is no cure. In this tough journey to the frontiers of therapeutic innovation, I have been supported by Brunello Cucinelli and his family, and in particular Riccardo Stefanelli, in an ongoing engagement between scientific and humanistic approaches, actually two sides of the same coin. TES Pharma now takes an important step forward with the entry of XGEN, a highly qualified investment fund, and the appointment of Luca Benatti as CEO. Both of them will contribute to TES the necessary experience to implement the development strategies required in the most advanced phase of its business. My wish is that TES Pharma continues successfully on its science-driven path towards the ever-increasing wellbeing of mankind”.
Paolo Fundarò commented as follows: “We have known the TES scientific team for some time and we are thrilled to support the expansion of an Italian excellence in the field of new drug discovery alongside partners of great industrial experience and human depth”.
