Value Proposition:
· Engineered extracellular vesicles with enhanced uptake and reduced immunogenicity
· Improved EV-based drug delivery platform
Technology Description
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified endogenous proteins that can be engineered to assist in extracellular vesicle and/or nanoparticle therapeutics through increased uptake, optimized cell/tissue targeting, and decreased immunogenicity. Prior research discovered that lipid particle display of certain endogenous retroviral envelope proteins can enhance uptake and diminish immune recognition. Leveraging this discovery, the invention disclosed herein provides isolated lipid particles displaying said retroviral proteins in the lipid envelope, and uses to selectively deliver therapeutic payloads to diseased tissues.
Unmet Need
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-delimited particles that play key roles in intracellular signaling, immune regulation, and cancer. While there is broad interest in harnessing EVs for targeted delivery, the mechanisms of EV uptake, cell selectivity, and avoidance of off-target immunological responses have proven difficult to control. Thus, there is a need to modify current therapeutic EV and nanoparticle design to optimize delivery while reducing potential for immunogenicity.
Stage of Development
· Proof-of-concept in vitro studies have been completed and display preferential uptake by target cells.
· Immunogenicity and cargo delivery studies are ongoing.
· Looking for partners to commercialize the technology for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
