Quality leeches for therapy, research and environmental issues
Applications and Targets
In which fields are medicinal leeches useful?
Therapeutic
Hirudotherapy is a widely acknowledged approach for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies.
Scientific
Leeches represent a cost-effective and scientifically useful alternative model for research purposes compared to vertebrates.
Environmental
Leeches can contribute to safeguard the biodiversity of the Italian lakes environment.
1st
Company in Italy
To breed and sell medicinal leeches for therapeutic purposes.
1st
Company in Italy
To offer in vivo toxicological and pharmacological tests, using the leech as an alternative experimental model, in compliance with the 3R concept.
Mission & Vision
Top Quality and
Innovation
ILFARM's mission is to establish the first Italian company specialized in the breeding of leeches (H. medicinalis and H. verbana) with key implications in the economic, scientific and ecological fields.
The team
Passion for leeches
A world expert in leeches, since 2017 she is Associate Professor of Zoology the University of Insubria at the Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Her research makes use of the most advanced techniques in the field of optical and electron microscopy and is focused on the processes that regulate the immune response and tissue regeneration.
Prof.ssa Annalisa Grimaldi
He is Associate Professor of Genetics at the Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences - University of Insubria. For many years he focused his interest on the genetics of complex human pathologies, such as cancer, atherosclerosis and congenital heart disease. In this context, he developed several animal models generated with modern genetic engineering techniques.
Prof. Francesco Acquati
PhD in Biotechnology, Biosciences and Surgical Techniques. His research activity is mainly based on the use of optical and electron microscopy. Furthermore, over the years he has also developed skills in the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics.
Dr. Nicolò Baranzini
She obtained a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a PhD in Life Sciences and Biotechnology at the Insubria University of Varese. Her activity concerns the fields of optical, confocal and electron microscopy as well as molecular biology.
Dr. Laura Pulze
Our workshop
Continuous training for those who want to approach the world of hirudotherapy.
Courses aimed at doctors and veterinarians.
Our partners
Interested in leeches?
ILFARM is the first Italian company specialized in the breeding of leeches of the Hirudo verbana species for scientific and therapeutic purposes. The farm is registered in accordance with Regional Law 1/2007 and 33/2009 at ATS Insubria - Varese North Veterinary District.
First Italian company specialized in the breeding and sale of certified leeches at national and international level
USEFUL LINKS
SEATS
WORKSHOPS AND CLASSROOMS:
University of Insubria, Varese
INDOOR BREEDING:
Via Carego, 20 - 21020 Crosio della Valle (VA)