Abstract

The HALIFIB (Hyaluronic Acid-based delivery of extracellular vesicles for LIver FIBrosis) project begins in November 2022, aiming to develop treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). based on extracellular vesicles. NASH is an aggressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), marked by hepatic steatosis, chronic liver inflammation, and the onset of fibrosis. Indeed, the current anti-fibrotic drugs do not effectively inhibit fibrosis progression.

STRATEGY

Due to the rapid clearance of EVs when administered in vivo, we are working on delivery strategies to prolong their retention in the target liver. This includes: 1) coating EVs with hyaluronic acid to improve their targeting ability: 2) developing in situ-forming injectable hydrogels as a “depot” to sustain EV delivery, also reducing the need for frequent administrations.

IMPACT

Fibrosis progression can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), necessitating liver transplant as the sole effective treatment. However, organ shortage generates demand for treatments that can inhibit fibrosis progression. Unfortunately, the available anti-fibrotic drugs have adverse effects and/or low efficacy. Consequently, none have received EMA or FDA approval. Furthermore, these drugs target a single pathway, which increases the likelihood of being ineffective. In contrast, EVs hold potential as multi-target, low-adverse-effect anti-fibrotic therapy.

Pipeline