Research
The research proposed in the CLEVER project is focused on the preparation of the European playing field on the development and introduction of EV-based drugs. An effective interplay between scientific institutions, SMEs and large industry is mandatory to maximize chances of success and to enhance wide-spread implementation. To this end, the CLEVER project will set up a network that enables the collaboration between scientists and other stakeholders (biotech companies and pharmaceutical industry) in the field of EV-based therapeutics.
The CLEVER project will focus specifically on the clinical translation of EVs as regenerative medicine for acute and chronic kidney disease. One of the first indications that EVs derived from MSCs can have therapeutic effects was presented in acute kidney failure. Subsequent findings confirmed the protective properties of MSC-derived EVs in both acute and chronic renal damage. The CLEVER consortium has a strong and longstanding experience in kidney disease and the regenerative potential of EVs in this disease. Using kidney disease as target model, we will focus on establishing release criteria comprising critical components for therapeutic EVs, including 1) cell isolation and culture, 2) EV characteristics, and 3) EV functionality.