Exosomes: next generation vectors for drug delivery & gene therapy

Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2022; 8(11), 1503–1511

DOI: 10.18609/cgti.2022.221

Published: 12 December 2022
Expert Insight
Jess Morhayim, Jeroen de Vrij

Novel therapeutic modalities using native and/ or genetically engineered exosomes hold much promise for transforming the biotech and pharma industries. Exosomes are nanosized particles secreted by the cells of the human body with superior properties to travel over long distances and mediate intercellular communication by delivering their bioactive cargo. Thanks to their endogenous nature and associated low immunogenicity, exosomes are highly attractive as natural delivery tools for the efficient delivery of therapeutics to target tissues and organs, including hard-to-reach tissues, such as the brain. At ExoVectory, we are developing a state-of-the art technology for the efficient loading of exosomes with therapeutic DNA, RNA and proteins, which opens novel opportunities towards the treatment of life-threatening and currently incurable diseases. This Expert Insight article reviews the milestones that paved the way to the development of the exosome therapeutics field, describes the current hurdles in transitioning into the clinic and discusses the look forward.