Problem

Acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury (ALI) and asthma, remain a significant healthcare challenge with high mortality rates, long-term morbidity and a substantial economic burden due to prolonged hospital stays, intensive care, and the need for mechanical ventilation. There is an urgent need for pharmacological treatments targeting the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes

Solution

• Researchers at OSU have developed a groundbreaking approach for the treatment of pulmonary inflammation using novel nanosized Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) derived from various cell types and loaded with anti-inflammatory agents, such as Resolvin D1 and E1. RvD1E1 EVs reduced inflammatory activation of neutrophils and macrophages when tested in vitro in different cellular assays. Acute Lung Injury (ALI) mouse models treated with RvD1E1 EVs showed a drastic decrease in all the lung injury parameters (immune cell infiltration, TNFα, il-6, protein leak into bronchoalveolar fluid)
• By harnessing the regenerative potential of EVs in combination with pro-resolution lipid mediators not previously delivered in this manner, this Resolvin delivery platform aims to modulate the inflammatory response, promote tissue repair, and mitigate lung injury associated with inflammation, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in patients

Applications

Treatment of pulmonary inflammation and other acute inflammatory disorders, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury

Advantages

• Targeted therapy: EVs loaded with anti-inflammatory agents offer precise targeting of molecular pathways implicated in pulmonary inflammation
• Reduced side effects: The non-immunogenic nature of EVs reduces the likelihood of systemic side effects as compared to traditional pharmacologic treatments
• Regenerative potential: EVs can have regenerative properties on their own, promoting tissue repair and improving lung function and long-term outcomes

• Broad-spectrum EVs benefits: EVs are stable, not species-specific (so they are easily taken up by recipient cells from a different species) and they counteract excessive inflammation without suppressing the immune system of the host
• Intranasal delivery: RvD1E1 EVs can be administered intranasally, offering a simpler and more patient-friendly alternative to intravenous drugs

Seeking opportunities for co-development, out-licensing or new venture formation