Use of new exosomes for the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasias

The Na+/I- transporter (NIS) has been used for molecular imaging (positron emission tomography, PET, or single-photon emission computed tomography, SPECT, depending on the isotope used) or as a therapeutic agent if the isotope used is a high-energy isotope (e.g. therapy with radioiodine 131I). But one of the remaining problems is how to target this gene specifically to the tumor area. The expression of NIS in exosomes and the accumulation of these in neoplasias can serve (i) to visualize neoplasias and (ii) for therapy. These exosomes are able to reach the tumour areas when they are injected intravenously. This new exosomes have shown a 50% reduction in tumour growth in trials. The Spanish research center is seeking for companies preferably from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and molecular biology sectors, to establish technical cooperation or license agreements. Besides, they will be also open to research cooperation agreements with public and private institutions of the same sector for building consortia.