Prof. Stefano Rivella at Childrenâs Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania,United States
PROFILEÂ Â
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đ Early Academic Pursuits :
Stefano Rivellaâs academic journey began in Italy, where he pursued his Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Pavia. His dedication to the field of genetics was evident early on, as he received Italy’s Best University Thesis award from the Italian Genetics Institute (AGI) in 1991. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rivella remained at the University of Pavia as a Pre and Doctoral Trainee until 1997. His postdoctoral training took him to the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he deepened his expertise in gene therapy and hematology.
𧏠Professional Endeavors :
Dr. Rivella’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to genetic medicine and pediatrics. He began his faculty appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College in 2002, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Genetic Medicine in Pediatrics. His innovative work in gene therapy and pediatrics led to his promotion to Associate Professor in both the Pediatrics and Graduate School divisions by 2008.
In 2015, Dr. Rivella transitioned to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where he became a Professor of Pediatrics. His expertise and impact in the field were further recognized when he was appointed the Kwame Ohene-Frempong Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology later that year. Currently, he leads the RNA Gene Therapeutics group at The Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, a role he took on in 2023. This position underscores his leadership in pioneering RNA-based therapies for genetic disorders.
đŹ Contributions and Research Focus :
Dr. Rivella’s research has focused on gene therapy, particularly in the treatment of hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia. His work has been instrumental in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including the approval of the clinical trial “ALS20-101 Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Beta Thalassemia,” which is a significant milestone in the field. This trial, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, utilizes the ALS20 vector generated in Dr. Rivellaâs laboratory, reflecting his deep involvement in cutting-edge therapeutic development.
His expertise extends beyond academia, as he has served as a consultant for several major pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Ionis, and Merck. Dr. Rivella has also played a critical role in designing clinical trials and analyzing data for various drugs, contributing to the advancement of gene therapy and hematology on a global scale.
đ Accolades and Recognition :
Dr. Rivellaâs contributions to the field have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. Early in his career, he received multiple Travel Grant Awards from prestigious organizations such as the International Society of Experimental Hematology (ISEH) and the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT). Notably, in 2015, he was honored with the Sultan bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Federation Award for Innovative Medical Research, highlighting his impact on thalassemia treatment.
In 2019, Dr. Rivella was awarded the Marcel Simon Award by the International BioIron Society (IBIS), further cementing his status as a leader in the field of iron metabolism and hematology. His most recent accolade, the Outstanding Poster Award in 2024 for his work on lentiviral gene therapy, underscores his ongoing contributions to cutting-edge research in gene therapy.
đ Impact and Influence :
Dr. Rivellaâs influence extends beyond his immediate research contributions. As a member and leader of various scientific societies, including the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the International BioIron Society (IBIS), he has helped shape the direction of research and clinical practice in hematology and gene therapy. His role on the Scientific Advisory Boards (SAB) of several biopharmaceutical companies allows him to directly impact the development of new therapies, ensuring that innovative treatments reach patients.
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Legacy and Future Contributions :
Dr. Rivellaâs legacy in pediatric hematology and gene therapy is profound. Through his work, countless patients with hemoglobinopathies and other genetic disorders have new hope for effective treatments. His pioneering efforts in RNA gene therapeutics promise to revolutionize the field, offering novel approaches to previously intractable conditions.
As he continues his research and leadership at CHOP and The Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Dr. Rivellaâs future contributions are poised to further advance the field of gene therapy. His commitment to education, research, and clinical excellence ensures that his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of scientists and clinicians dedicated to improving the lives of patients with genetic disorders.