Biomedical Polymer-Based Exosome Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Intractable Diseases

Exosomes have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication, regulating diverse physiological processes and contributing to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Their biological functions are increasingly recognized across a wide range of applications, including immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression. From a therapeutic perspective, regenerative and immunomodulatory exosomes are gaining attention as naturally derived biotherapeutics, whereas disease-associated exosomes are being explored as important therapeutic targets.

Successful clinical translation of exosome-based therapeutics requires strategies that selectively accumulate beneficial exosomes—whether endogenous or engineered—at diseased tissues while simultaneously suppressing the generation, release, or biological activity of pathogenic exosomes. Furthermore, owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and natural ability to transport bioactive cargos between cells, exosomes have emerged as highly promising drug delivery vehicles.

In this presentation, I will highlight our recent advances in biomedical polymer-based strategies for exosome engineering and delivery. These platforms are designed to enhance the targeting, retention, and therapeutic efficacy of exosome-based therapies while overcoming current limitations in clinical translation. I will also discuss their potential applications in the treatment of intractable diseases, particularly cancer and inflammatory disorders.