With completion scheduled for August 2026, the COHERENCE project is entering its final phase after more than two years of collaboration between Italian and Slovenian partners committed to building a shared pathway to bring advanced therapies closer to clinical practice.
Formally launched in April 2024 and presented to the partners during the kick-off meeting held at ICGEB in July, the project has combined research, training, experimental activities and regulatory dialogue. Its main achievements include studies on culture media, cell isolation and expansion tests, comparisons of different tissue collection methods, and the transfer of technical expertise among the partners.
Particular attention has been devoted to clinical and regulatory aspects. Meetings with JAZMP, the workshop in Ljubljana, the visit to Crystal Medical Center and the launch of the regulatory process in Slovenia have helped define a concrete pathway towards a first-in-human study and access to the hospital exemption framework.
Another major project output is the COHERENCE cross-border digital platform, available in Italian, Slovenian and English. The tool helps researchers and healthcare professionals navigate the national and European clinical and regulatory requirements associated with advanced therapies.
Monthly meetings and continuous dialogue among the partners have ensured effective coordination of the activities and supported the successful integration of research, technology, clinical practice and regulatory expertise.
COHERENCE is therefore preparing to leave a shared legacy of expertise, tools and cross-border relationships, demonstrating the value of cooperation in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and clinical application.
