Applying extracellular vesicles based therapeutics in clinical trials - An ISEV position paper

Thomas Lener, Mario Gimona, Ludwig Aigner, Verena Börger, Edit Buzas, Giovanni Camussi, Nathalie Chaput, Devasis Chatterjee, Felipe A. Court, Hernando A. del Portillo, Lorraine O'Driscoll, Stefano Fais, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Ursula Felderhoff-Mueser, Lorenzo Fraile, Yong Song Gho, André Görgens, Ramesh C. Gupta, An Hendrix, Dirk M. HermannAndrew F. Hill, Fred Hochberg, Peter A. Horn, Dominique de Kleijn, Lambros Kordelas, Boris W. Kramer, Eva Maria Krämer-Albers, Sandra Laner-Plamberger, Saara Laitinen, Tommaso Leonardi, Magdalena J. Lorenowicz, Sai Kiang Lim, Jan Lötvall, Casey A. Maguire, Antonio Marcilla, Irina Nazarenko, Takahiro Ochiya, Tushar Patel, Shona Pedersen, Gabriella Pocsfalvi, Stefano Pluchino, Peter Quesenberry, Ilona G. Reischl, Francisco J. Rivera, Ralf Sanzenbacher, Katharina Schallmoser, Ineke Slaper-Cortenbach, Dirk Strunk, Torsten Tonn, Pieter Vader, Bas W.M. van Balkom, Marca Wauben, Samir El Andaloussi, Clotilde Théry, Eva Rohde, Bernd Giebel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

551 Scopus citations

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are released by different cell types and participate in physiological and pathophysiological processes. EVs mediate intercellular communication as cell-derived extracellular signalling organelles that transmit specific information from their cell of origin to their target cells. As a result of these properties, EVs of defined cell types may serve as novel tools for various therapeutic approaches, including (a) anti-tumour therapy, (b) pathogen vaccination, (c) immune-modulatory and regenerative therapies and (d) drug delivery. The translation of EVs into clinical therapies requires the categorization of EV-based therapeutics in compliance with existing regulatory frameworks. As the classification defines subsequent requirements for manufacturing, quality control and clinical investigation, it is of major importance to define whether EVs are considered the active drug components or primarily serve as drug delivery vehicles. For an effective and particularly safe translation of EV-based therapies into clinical practice, a high level of cooperation between researchers, clinicians and competent authorities is essential. In this position statement, basic and clinical scientists, as members of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) and of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, namely European Network on Microvesicles and Exosomes in Health and Disease (ME-HaD), summarize recent developments and the current knowledge of EV-based therapies. Aspects of safety and regulatory requirements that must be considered for pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical application are highlighted. Production and quality control processes are discussed. Strategies to promote the therapeutic application of EVs in future clinical studies are addressed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number30087
JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Haematology
  • Immunology
  • Neurobiology
  • Regulation
  • Stem cells
  • Tissue regeneration
  • Tumour vaccination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Histology
  • Cell Biology

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