Esperite`s biotech subsidiary The Cell Factory develops the extracellular vesicles (EVs) biologic drug (CF-MEV-117) for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. In a May 5, 2017 press release, Espertite announced that a consortium sponsored by The Cell Factory has achieved an important milestone in the CF-MEV-117 drug development, confirming an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity of the CF-MEV-117 in a dose response manner. Full results will be presented during the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) meeting in Toronto, Canada fromMay 18-21, 2017. The Cell Factory, a company subsiadiery of the Esperite Group, in collaboration with Bambino Gesù Children`s Hospital in Rome, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan, and Women`s and Children`s Health Department of the University of Padua is developing the EV drug candidate (CF-MEV-117) for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. The consortium is investigating the immunomodulatory properties of EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in several in vitro and in vivo models. It has been previously demonstrated by independent research groups that inhibitory effects of MSCs on human leukocytes are mediated by secreted EVs. Subsequently, it was demonstrated by Cell Factory partners that MSC-derived EVs were responsible for inhibition of B-cell proliferation and differentiation and for activation of T-cell apoptosis (Budoni et al., 2013; Del Fattore et al., 2015). These results have been recently confirmed with the CF-MEV-117 drug candidate manufactured by The Cell Factory. Preclinical and clinical study demonstrate that brain inflammation could be responsible for severe epileptic seizures. Pro-inflammatory molecules secreted by the stimulated glial cells are responsible for a status epilepticus. Therefore, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory treatment focused on astrocytes and microglia cells could be effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of epilepsy and might prevent a relapse of the disease in the future.Login Or Register To Read Full Story