Napoleone Ferrara's discovery led to the development of blockbuster drugs Avastin and Lucentis at Genentech.

At Bio Usawa, we are inspired by the scientists who shape the future of medicine. Today, we celebrate Napoleone Ferrara on his recognition in the Forbes 250: America’s Greatest Innovators.

Dr. Ferrara’s discovery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) transformed modern medicine. By identifying the protein responsible for the growth of new blood vessels, his work opened the door to therapies that have preserved vision for millions of patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and other retinal diseases.

“Napoleone’s discovery of VEGF fundamentally changed how we understand and treat diseases driven by abnormal blood vessel growth," says Vince Anicetti, Bio Usawa's Board Member and Dr. Ferrara's former colleague at Genentech. "It is a breakthrough that has improved the lives of millions of patients worldwide."

Anti-VEGF biologics sit at the core of Bio Usawa’s work. We honor Dr. Ferrara’s vision, dedication, and lasting impact on science and medicine.