Professor Nazzareno Cannella: Associate Professor at University of Camerino, Italy
Dr. Nazzareno Cannella is an accomplished Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Camerino, Italy, with a strong focus on neuropsychopharmacology. Over the years, his research has explored the neurobiology of motivated behaviors and reward systems, particularly in relation to substance use disorders (SUD) involving alcohol, psychostimulants, nicotine, and opioids. Dr. Cannella’s work also addresses the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, which often co-appear with SUDs. His multifaceted research integrates a variety of cutting-edge techniques, including in-vivo behavioral models, pharmacology, neuroimaging (MRI, PET), and genetic manipulation. He seeks to advance personalized and translational medicine in addiction research by exploring individualized treatment responses and the identification of biomarkers for SUDs.
Online Profiles
Dr. Cannella maintains an extensive academic presence online. His work can be found in various scientific databases and repositories:
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Scopus Author ID: 24079967600
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ORCID: 0000-0002-2891-8679
His complete list of over 60 publications, which includes groundbreaking studies in addiction research, is accessible on his NCBI Bibliography. This includes his collaborative work on preclinical models and his exploration of neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. -
1,483 Citations from 1,086 Documents
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62 Documents published
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h-index of 23
Education
Dr. Cannella’s academic journey began with a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Camerino in 2005. He then pursued his PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology at the same institution, earning his degree in 2009. His dissertation, under the supervision of Dr. Roberto Ciccocioppo, focused on the neurobiology of addiction and pharmacological interventions. To expand his expertise, he spent a year as a visiting scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he worked with Dr. Luis de Lecea. Dr. Cannella then honed his research skills through postdoctoral fellowships at leading European institutions, including the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, and the Neurocentre Magendie in Bordeaux, France.
Research Focus
Dr. Cannella’s research focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of substance use disorders (SUD) and their psychiatric comorbidities. His primary interest lies in understanding the reward circuitry in the brain, which plays a crucial role in addiction and motivated behaviors. He is especially concerned with how these systems interact with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. In addition to the basic neurobiology of addiction, his work spans treatment development, personalized medicine, and translational medicine, aiming to design more effective therapies for addiction. Dr. Cannella also investigates individual variability in response to treatment, with a goal of improving the precision of addiction therapies. His research integrates advanced techniques such as behavioral rodent models, neuroimaging, pharmacological interventions, and molecular biology.
Experience
Dr. Cannella has held various academic positions throughout his career, contributing significantly to the fields of pharmacology and neuropsychopharmacology. He is currently an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Camerino, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor from 2020 to 2022. His long-standing association with the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, as a Guest Scientist since 2017 has allowed him to collaborate on numerous international research projects. Dr. Cannella also gained valuable experience as a Research Assistant Professor and Research Associate at the University of Camerino, Italy, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing both the academic and research profiles of the institution. His work has consistently been supported by various competitive research grants, allowing him to lead multiple interdisciplinary teams working on addiction-related projects.
Research Timeline
Dr. Cannella’s research timeline begins with his PhD in 2009, where his foundational work on the neurobiology of addiction set the stage for his future studies. From 2010 to 2016, he honed his skills through postdoctoral training in Germany and France, focusing on neuropharmacology and behavioral neuroscience. In 2016, he became a Research Associate at the University of Camerino, where he soon expanded his research interests to explore individualized vulnerability to addiction. His significant work on SUD biomarkers, genetic vulnerability, and personalized medicine began to take shape during his tenure as a Research Assistant Professor from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, he advanced to the role of Associate Professor, where his research is now funded by prestigious grants such as the NIH/NIAAA and the Hetzler Foundation, ensuring that his work on addiction continues to be at the forefront of scientific discovery.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Cannella has received various awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple competitive research grants and recognition from leading scientific societies. He is an active member of prestigious organizations such as the Italian Society of Neuroscience, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, and the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society. His research has been frequently cited and recommended by expert panels, including F1000 and NIDA’s Blog. Additionally, his work on personalized medicine and addiction has garnered attention in both academic and clinical settings, making him a leading figure in addiction research.
Top-Noted Publication
Dr. Cannella’s top-noted publication is a 2024 study in Neuropharmacology on Cebranopadol, a novel opioid agonist. This study demonstrated Cebranopadol’s potential in treating opioid use disorder with a low risk of abuse, a significant advancement in the search for safer alternatives to traditional opioid therapies. The paper, titled “Cebranopadol, a novel long-acting opioid agonist with low abuse liability, to treat opioid use disorder: Preclinical evidence of efficacy”, highlights Dr. Cannella’s commitment to developing effective, less harmful treatments for addiction. His work on the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction continues to influence drug development strategies for a range of substance use disorders.
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Predicting individual treatment response in alcohol use disorders: a reverse translational proof-of-concept study
Translational Psychiatry | Published: June 24, 2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-025-03431-2
This study explores the reverse translational approach to predicting personalized treatment responses in alcohol use disorder (AUD), offering valuable insights into the future of individualized treatments for addiction. -
Genome-wide association study reveals multiple loci for nociception and opioid consumption behaviors associated with heroin vulnerability in outbred rats
Molecular Psychiatry | Published: February 25, 2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-02922-4
This research identifies genetic loci related to nociception and opioid consumption behaviors, contributing to our understanding of heroin addiction and individual vulnerability. -
Pharmacological Mechanism and Drug Research Prospects of Ginsenoside Rb1 as an Antidepressant
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) | Published: February 19, 2025
DOI: 10.3390/antiox14020238
This article reviews the pharmacological properties of Ginsenoside Rb1, examining its potential as an antidepressant, with a focus on its therapeutic prospects in neuropsychiatric disorders. -
Distinct Behavioral Profiles and Neuronal Correlates of Heroin Vulnerability Versus Resiliency in a Multi-Symptomatic Model of Heroin Use Disorder in Rats
The American Journal of Psychiatry | Published: January 15, 2025
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230623
This study distinguishes between behavioral and neuronal correlates of vulnerability versus resiliency in heroin use disorder, providing critical insights into potential therapeutic strategies. -
Cebranopadol, a novel long-acting opioid agonist with low abuse liability, to treat opioid use disorder: Preclinical evidence of efficacy
Neuropharmacology | Published: October 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110048
This publication presents preclinical evidence for the efficacy of Cebranopadol, a novel opioid agonist with a promising profile for treating opioid use disorder without significant abuse liability.