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Dr. Ziccardi Lucia

Ophthalmologist, Researcher
FondazioneBietti_Ziccardi Lucia
Research line: Research Line of Neuro-ophthalmology and neurophysiology of vision
Research unit: RU Neurophysiology of vision and neurophthalmology
Simple Operating Unit: Clinical and Research Center of Neuro-ophthalmology, Genetic and Rare Diseases
Specialization: Ophthalmology
Professional register: Registered with the Provincial Register of Surgeons and Physicians of Campobasso (Campobasso Provincial Order), Registration No. 2464, dated January 21, 2004.

Practices at IRCCS Fondazione G.B. Bietti, in the facilities of Via Livenza, 3 and Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, at the Presidio Ospedaliero Britannico, Rome.

Scientific Publications: PubMed

 

  • 1996: Classical Lyceum Diploma (“F. D’Ovidio,” Larino, CB).
  • 2002: Degree in Medicine and Surgery with honors (cum laude), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome.
  • 2003: National Medical License (Professional Qualification to practice Medicine), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome.
  • 2006: Specialization in Ophthalmology with honors (cum laude), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome.
  • 2008: Post-doctoral Fellowship in Molecular Biology of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (USA).
  • 2012: Ph.D. with honors (cum laude) in Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Plasticity, and Neural Development (XXIV Cycle), University of L’Aquila.
  • 2007–2008: Fellow at the Research Line for Neurophysiology of Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, “G.B.” Bietti Foundation, Rome.
  • 2008–2011: Ph.D. Candidate/Doctoral Student at the University of L’Aquila. Post-doctoral Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (USA).
  • 2012–2015: Ophthalmologist and Clinical Researcher with a Collaboration Contract (Co.Co.Co.) at the Research Line for Neurophysiology of Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, “G.B.” Bietti Foundation, Rome.
  • 2015–Present: Permanent Clinical and Scientific Researcher at the Research Line for Neurophysiology of Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, “G.B.” Bietti Foundation, Rome.

Academic Appointments

  • 2006–2007 and 2007–2008: Lecturer for the semester-long university course on Diseases of the Visual System VI (Neuro-Ophthalmology) (25 hours) and Neurology, Ocular Motility, and Strabismus (30 hours), within the Degree Course in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance – Integrated Course on Physiopathology of Visual Function, established by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart at the Larino (CB) campus.

Clinical and Research Expertise (2006–Present)

  • 2006–Present: Ophthalmologist specializing in the fields of vision electrophysiology, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, medical retina, and hereditary diseases of the retina and optic nerve, such as Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa and its syndromic forms, Best’s and Stargardt’s Maculopathy, cone, cone-rod, and rod-cone retinal dystrophies, albinism, X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, and occult macular dystrophy.
  • 2008–2012: Clinical and Basic Science Researcher, Principal or Associated Investigator in pre-clinical toxicity studies related to gene therapy for X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (still ongoing at the National Eye Institute, USA) and in molecular biology studies aimed at improving the understanding of the pathophysiology of inherited retinal degenerations.
  • 2012–Present: Clinical and Scientific Researcher, Associated Investigator in clinical trials related to vision electrophysiology, neuro-ophthalmology, inherited retinal dystrophies, and gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa; Co-Investigator of pilot studies aimed at neuroprotection in patients with optic nerve gliomas, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Academic Qualifications

  • 2020–2029: National Scientific Qualification (ASN) achieved by merits for Diseases of the Visual System, Competition Sector 06/F2 – Second Level (II Fascia) – Fifth Quadrimester 2018/2020; Announcement D.D. 2175/2018; Application n.37342.
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
  • International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV)
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
  • American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)
  • Italian Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology (SIOP)
  • Italian Association of Ophthalmic Physicians (AIMO)

Clinical Trials and Research Projects

  • 2022: Sponsored Clinical Study (Janssen-MeiraGTx): MGT-RPGR-0021 and 0022 – Phase 3 Randomized, Controlled Study of AAV2/5-hRKp.RPGR for the Treatment of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with Variants in the RPGR gene. Principal Investigator: Dr. Lucia Ziccardi.
  • 2021: Sponsored Clinical Study (MeiraGTx): MGT-RPGR-0023 – Study to Determine Presence of Genetically Confirmed RPGR-Associated XLRP Patients at Investigational Sites for Potential Participation in Future Clinical Research Studies. Principal Investigator: Dr. Lucia Ziccardi.
  • 2019–2021: Non-profit Clinical Study (5×1000 funds Ministry of Health): “Molecular bases of inherited dystrophies of the retina and optic nerve.” Study in collaboration with the Italian National Institute of Health. RET-02-2019. Study Lead: Dr. Lucia Ziccardi; Principal Investigator: Prof. Monica Varano.
  • 2014–2017: Ministerial Targeted Institutional Research Project: Morpho-functional visual pathways evaluation in multiple sclerosis: possible identification of neurodegenerative biomarkers. Project Code: RF-2011-02347280. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2016: Non-profit Clinical Study (Fondazione Bietti – IRCCS NEU-03-2016): Neuroprotection and neuro-enhancement in a model of optic nerve neurodegeneration (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuritis): study of morpho-functional variations in relation to treatment with oral Citicoline solution. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2016: Clinical Observational Study (5×1000 funds Ministry of Health, 2013) (Fondazione Bietti – IRCCS NEU-03-2016): Functional evaluation of retinal involvement from post-neuritic neurodegenerative processes in patients with multiple sclerosis. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi and Dr. Lucia Ziccardi.
  • 2016: Observational Study SNT-CRS-002 sponsored by Santhera Pharmaceuticals: Historical case record survey of visual acuity data from patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2014–2015: Clinical Study (5×1000 funds Ministry of Health, 2011) (Fondazione Bietti – IRCCS NEU-01-2014): “CLINICAL-FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EARLY-ONSET GENETICALLY TRANSMITTED RARE EYE DISEASES. PHENOTYPE-GENOTYPE CORRELATION.” Principal Investigator: Dr. Lucia Ziccardi.
  • 2011: AIFA Clinical Study (Fondazione Bietti – IRCCS NEU-08-2011): Evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of Minocycline as adjuvant therapy for the stabilization of visual function in patients with glaucoma. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2013: Clinical Trial NCT00055029: “Clinical and genetic studies of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS).” The study involves the enrollment of patients with XLRS to be candidates for gene therapy. The study is in active collaboration with the promoting institution: Section for Translation Research in Retinal and Macular degeneration, NIH/NEI Bethesda, MD (USA). Principal Investigator: Prof. Paul A. Sieving.
  • 2013: Futuro in Ricerca 2013 (M.I.U.R.) Project Proposal: Neuroprotective effects of Nerve Growth Factor administered as eye drops in children and young adults with visual deficits induced by optic pathway gliomas. Code: RBFR13DT7J. Principal Investigator: Dr. Daniela Rizzo.
  • 2013: DOMPÉ Clinical Study NGF0113: “A 24 week phase Ib/II, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle controlled, parallel group, dose ranging study with a 24 week follow-up period to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of two doses (60 and 180 ug/ml) of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) eye drops solution versus vehicle in patients with typical retinitis pigmentosa (RP).” The study involves the administration of rhNGF (recombinant human nerve growth factor) eye drops in patients with a neglected/orphan disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2013: Use of Saffron in patients with an early form of age-related macular degeneration, prescribable only if positive for the genetic test for ABCA4 gene mutations. Principal Investigator: Prof. Falsini.
  • 2013: LHON Historical Case Record Survey sponsored by AIBILI (EVICr.net). Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2012–2013: SIGMA TAU Study ST200-ODU-09-01: “Effects of L-acetylcarnitine administration on nerve conduction along the visual pathways in patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).” The study involves the oral administration of the experimental drug L-acetylcarnitine in patients with genetically confirmed hereditary optic neuropathy. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2012: Non-profit Clinical Study (Fondazione Bietti – IRCCS NEU-01-2012): Evaluation of the potential neuroprotective action of Citicoline in addition to topical hypotensive therapy for the maintenance and/or improvement of visual functional deficit in patients with glaucoma. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.
  • 2008–2011: Phase I Study of RS1 Ocular Gene Transfer for X-linked Retinoschisis. Principal Investigator: Prof. Paul A. Sieving.
  • 2007: Phase 4 Study: Neural Conduction Along the Visual Pathways After Oral Treatment With Citicoline in Patients With Optic Nerve Diseases. Principal Investigator: Prof. Vincenzo Parisi.

Reviewer for the following peer-reviewed scientific journals:

  • International Ophthalmology
  • The International Journal of Ophthalmology & Visual Science
  • Journal of Ophthalmology and Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
  • Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
  • Acta Diabetologica
  • European Journal of Ophthalmology
  • The International Journal of Molecular Science
  • Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
  • Acta Ophthalmologica
  • Documenta Ophthalmologica
  • Advances in Therapy
  • Scientific Reports

Author of numerous scientific publications (articles, book chapters, reviews) with national and international impact, and a presenter at numerous seminars and congresses in the fields of neuroscience and ophthalmology, accredited by Agenas (Continuing Medical Education – ECM) both nationally and internationally.

  • 1996–1997 and 1998–1999: Scholarship with tuition fee reimbursement from the I.S.U. (University Services Institute) of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, based on merit ranking.
  • 1999 (Exchange 1): Bilateral exchange students project organized between the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome and the Çapa Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey. Internship completed in the Department of Pediatric Emergencies, directed by Prof. Emin Unǘvar.
  • 1999 (Exchange 2): Docencia Practica de Inmunologia, Patologia General y Anatomia Patologica General (Practical Teaching in Immunology, General Pathology, and General Pathological Anatomy) included in the Socrates-Erasmus Program (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart – University of Salamanca, Spain). Internship completed at the Institute of General Pathology and Internal Medicine, under the supervision of Prof. Josè Carretero Gonzalez and Prof. Josè Cordero.
  • 2005: Travel Grant from the “G.B. Bietti” Foundation for Ophthalmology for the presentation of the work: “Regional cone Function in Age-related Maculopathy Evaluated by Focal ERG and static Perimetry: central losses not linked to morphological changes.” Presented at ARVO (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) in Fort Lauderdale (USA), May 1–5, 2005.
  • 2008–2011: Post-doctoral Research Fellowship Award in Molecular Biology of X-linked Juvenile Retinoschisis, carried out at the Section for Translation Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration of the National Eye Institute – National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland (USA), under the direct supervision of Director Prof. Paul Sieving.
  • 2009: Best Oral Presentation Award at the 47th ISCEV International Congress, Abano Terme, July 9, 2009, for the communication: “Evolution of ERG changes in XLRS with severe progressive phenotype on cross sectional study from null RS1 mutation (354 del1-ins18).
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