Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are rapidly emerging as a transformative class of biotherapeutics. Naturally secreted by various cell types, EVs act as biological messengers, transporting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can modulate the behavior of recipient cells. This unique capability positions EVs as powerful tools for therapeutic innovation.
Why extracellular vesicles (EVs) matter
EVs offer intrinsic advantages that set them apart from traditional approaches:
- High stability and low immunogenicity, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Ability to cross biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, which remains a major challenge for many therapies.
- Potential to replicate the benefits of stem cell-based treatments without the risks associated with cell survival or uncontrolled differentiation after administration.
These properties make EVs an attractive alternative to both cell-based therapies and synthetic nanomedicines.
Therapeutic potential
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that EVs exert regenerative, immunomodulatory, and protective effects across multiple disease models. Their versatility is reflected in ongoing clinical trials targeting:
- Digestive fistulas
- Chronic heart failure
- Joint disorders
- Sensorineural hearing loss
Beyond these indications, EVs hold promise for treating rare lysosomal storage disorders by delivering functional enzymes directly to affected tissues, including the central nervous system—a major limitation of current therapies.
Looking ahead
While technical and regulatory challenges remain, the breadth of experimental and early clinical evidence suggests that EV-based therapies could soon fill critical gaps in current treatment options, particularly for diseases with high unmet medical need. As research accelerates, EVs are poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation biotherapeutics.
For more details, read the official publication:
Extracellular vesicles: a new therapeutic paradigm (Médecine/Sciences, 2021)