EVOST

Need

Osteoporosis (OP) is a progressive disease causing bone structure deterioration, increasing fragility and fracture risk in the elderly, affecting women four times more than men. Although not a perfect solution, anti-resorptive drugs and anabolic agents are the main therapeutic options. However, these are associated with long-term safety and efficacy issues. The low vascularization of the skeleton reduces effectiveness, leading to higher administered doses, low oral drug availability, and systemic side effects such as mandibular necrosis or esophagitis. The global OP market was valued at $14 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at 3.8% annually to $19 billion by 2030.

Solution

Our research team has developed a nanovector platform using endogenous extracellular vesicles from industrial by-products, named By-Products Extracellular Vesicles (BP-EVs). BP-EVs offer unique technical, cost, and safety advantages, with exceptionally low production costs for nanovector applications. Biochemically and morphometrically identical to those in fermented foods, they are safe for human consumption compared to other endogenous vesicle sources. They also exhibit superior oral bioavailability and biocompatibility over synthetic nanovectors. A key technical feature for OP is their bone tissue-targeting preference, enhancing compound delivery to the skeletal system and prolonging therapeutic action.

Alendronate (AL), the most common oral bisphosphonate for OP prevention and treatment, suffers from low oral absorption and bioavailability. Current treatments also cause numerous side effects due to oral administration. Our team is currently working on encapsulating alendronate to enhance efficacy and reduce adverse effects.

Goal

To improve the effectiveness of alendronate, a first-line treatment for osteoporosis (OP), by enhancing its therapeutic targeting and protecting it during oral administration to reduce side effects. Increasing its efficacy will also allow for reduced administered doses.