Extracellular Vesicles:
Powerful Small Messengers
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a group of small particles released by nearly all cells, carrying a complex cargo of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The encapsulation of biological molecules within a lipid bilayer allows for the delivery of signals to distant cells and tissues, turning these vesicles into an elite method of cellular communication.
Click here to read a recent review by Exogenus Therapeutic’s advisor, and leader in the field of EV, Graça Raposo, or here to view a list of her published reviews.
Due to their role as biological messengers, EVs have garnered attention in recent years, for their potential as therapeutic agents. Currently, there are several companies exploring these vesicles, using different source materials, production methods and modification technologies. Overall, EV-based treatments show promise for a variety of pathologies, from regenerative medicine – in cardiovascular1, neurological2 or rheumatoid3 diseases – to inflammatory conditions.4-6
Scroll down to read about how Exogenus Therapeutics is using a naïve material for the production of natural vesicles carrying a cocktail of molecules that can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
References
de Abreu, R. C. et al. Native and bioengineered extracellular vesicles for cardiovascular therapeutics. Nat. Rev. Cardiol. 17, 685–697 (2020).
Zhang, Z. G., Buller, B. & Chopp, M. Exosomes – beyond stem cells for restorative therapy in stroke and neurological injury. Nat. Rev. Neurol. 15, 193–203 (2019).
Malda, J., Boere, J., van de Lest, C. H. A., van Weeren, P. R. & Wauben, M. H. M. Extracellular vesicles — new tool for joint repair and regeneration. Nature reviews. Rheumatology 12, 243–249 (2016).
Robbins, P. D. & Morelli, A. E. Regulation of immune responses by extracellular vesicles. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 14, 195–208 (2014).
Andaloussi, S. EL, Mäger, I., Breakefield, X. O. & Wood, M. J. A. Extracellular vesicles: biology and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 12, 347–357 (2013).
Buzas, E. I., György, B., Nagy, G., Falus, A. & Gay, S. Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in inflammatory diseases. Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. 10, 356–364 (2014).
EXO-101
Exo-101 is produced from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, using a proprietary process. Our optimized process, combining ultrafiltration and size-exclusion Pooling chromatography, allows for standardization, large-scale manufacturing and GMP compliance.
1. Blood Collection
2. Cells Separation
3.Tailored Stimuli
4. Exo-101 Purification
5. Pooling & Lyophilisation
6. Final Formulation
These small EVs carry a cocktail of lipids, proteins and miRNAs, that act in a concerted manner to reduce inflammation and promote regeneration. In models of normal and delayed (diabetic) wound healing, we have consistently shown that Exo‑101 accelerates the return to homeostasis. This regenerative function is, at least in part, mediated by the presence of miRNA-150, as detailed in this ACS Nano publication, involving members of our team.
