Raffaele De Francesco

Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Raffaele De Francesco is a pioneering virologist whose research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of hepatitis C virus (HCV) biology and antiviral drug development. His primary contributions lie in the structural and functional characterization of HCV enzymes, particularly the NS3 protease and NS5B RNA polymerase, which have become critical targets for direct-acting antiviral therapies. De Francesco’s landmark work includes the development of a high-throughput radiometric assay for the HCV NS3 protease, a methodological breakthrough that enabled the rapid screening of potential inhibitors and accelerated the discovery of protease inhibitors now used in clinical practice. His studies on the HCV replication complex have elucidated key mechanisms of viral RNA synthesis and resistance, providing a molecular roadmap for designing combination therapies. With over 14,000 citations, his research has profoundly shaped the field, leading to curative treatments for millions of patients worldwide. De Francesco’s achievements include receiving the prestigious GlaxoSmithKline Award for Outstanding Contributions to Virology and serving as a senior director at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, where he continues to drive innovation in antiviral therapeutics.