Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Currently, the treatment of choice consists of rapid reopening of the occluded artery. However, co-adjuvant therapeutic options should be sought to help reduce the extent of fibrosis.
Researchers from the University of Valencia, the INCLIVA Health Research Institute, and the La Fe Health Research Institute have developed a technology for treating fibrosis using extracellular vesicles derived from adult stem cells. These vesicles have been genetically modified to express N1ICD, HIF-1α, and TERT, enhancing therapeutic effects. Their small size allows them to penetrate affected tissues more effectively than conventional treatments.
They have been tested in a murine model of type I myocardial infarction (permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery) and type II (isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury), significantly reducing fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy while increasing microvascular density.
Benefits:
- Cell-free therapy: An alternative to traditional cell therapy, avoiding the use of whole cells.
- High tropism: Their unique surface proteome allows them to reach cardiac cells.
- Biocompatibility: Does not trigger an adverse immune response.
- Improved therapeutic properties: They induce angiogenesis in target tissues while decreasing oxidative, apoptotic and fibrotic responses.
They are looking for biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies interested in signing a licensing agreement or co-developing this technology.
Institution: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, Universitat de Valencia and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (ISS La Fe)
TRL: 3-4
Protection Status: The technology has been protected by a European patent EP24383371 and priority date December 13, 2024.
Contacto: Elisa Sáenz / e.saenz@viromii.com