Professor Randy Schekman provided an overview of the key bridging role of exosomes in intercellular communication, and the latest research on quantitative scientific methods for increasing the “cargo loading” efficiency of exosomes.

     On November 2, 2024, China Medical University (CMU) and Healthcare System hosted the International Forum of Extracellular Vesicles Technology and Novel Therapeutics to highlight Taiwan's advancements and explore new horizons in biomedical applications. Professor Randy Schekman, a 2013 Nobel prize laureate in Physiology/Medicine, was invited as a speaker to discuss exosome technology. Notable scholars and industrial leaders, such as Professor Andreas Möller, Professor Houjian Cai, Professor Le Thi Nguyet Minh, Professor Johannes Grillari, and members of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles, the Asia Pacific Societies for Extracellular Vesicles, and the Taiwan Society for Extracellular Vesicles attended the forum to discuss the latest advancements in extracellular vesicle (EV) research, technology, and applications.

CMU and Healthcare System hosted the International Forum of Extracellular Vesicles Technology and Novel Therapeutics. Nobel Prize laureate Professor Randy Schekman was invited as a speaker (third from the left in the middle row). The forum aims to facilitate the global presence of Taiwanese industrial and academic efforts in the field of exosomes and pave the way for new horizons in exosomal technology in biomedical applications. 

     Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai, Chairman of CMU Healthcare System, stated that this forum marks a major breakthrough in exosomal technology in precision medicine and regenerative medicine. CMU Healthcare System aims to continue the endeavor of promoting the international presence of Taiwan-based biotech industries, and to deliver better personalized healthcare to the global community. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are known to play a key role in aging, inflammation, disease progression and inter-cellular communication. Exosome technology will become a landmark in biological preparation development and human health.

Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai, Chairman of CMU Healthcare System, stated that this Forum marks a major breakthrough of exosomal technology in precision medicine and regenerative medicine, and acknowledged the excellence of CMU in international academic society. 

     Professor Randy Schekman provided an in-depth view of the key bridging role of exosomes in inter-cellular communication, and the latest research on quantitative science-based methods for increasing the “cargo loading” efficiency of exosomes. In his keynote speech, Professor Schekman highlighted the potential of exosome technology in achieving therapeutic goals. The keynote was moderated by Dr. Mien-Chie Hung, President of CMU.

CEO Jeng (leftmost), President Hung (second from the left), Professor Schekman (second from the right) and Superintendent Cho (rightmost) attended the forum to discuss the potential of exosomal technology in clinical applications.

     Dr. Long-Bin Jeng, CEO of CMU Development Committee, stated that CMU Healthcare System acquired notable results in exosome studies and development. Shine-On BioMedical Co. introduced the application of HLA-G targeted exosome in cancer treatment, and demonstrated innovative technology and current development progress: using targeted exosomes loaded with chemotherapy agent for effective inhibition of breast cancer cells while reducing side effects. Shine-On BioMedical is also working on Temodal, a chemotherapy agent indicated for brain cancer, to develop a nucleic acid pharmaceutical agent aimed at reducing resistance development. By carrying such agents through the blood brain barrier using HLA-G targeted exosomes, outstanding efficacy of difficult-to-treat brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) can be achieved. This will provide significant benefits to cancer patients.

President Hung (right) granted Professor Schekman (left) with a certificate of appreciation. The forum marked a new milestone in exosomal studies, and encouraged vigorous discussion to spark new ideas and insights.

     CMUH’s Translational Medicine Research Center presented the application of dual-gene-engineered exosomes in enhancing neurological recovery after stroke. R&D Center for xEVs (CMUH) collaborated with Shine Out Bio Technology Co. in developing innovative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease using a targeted exosome technology platform loaded with regenerative medicinal agents. Such treatment is also expected to significantly improve cellular repair and regeneration. (CMUH) Translational Cell Therapy Center’s modified exosomes using CD3ε nanobody is expected to potentially trigger the generation of dual-targeting CAR-T cells. In this forum, CMU and Healthcare System as the host showed their innovations in the field and the commitment in its promising clinical potential.

     Dr. Der-Yang Cho, Superintendent of CMUH, stressed that exosomal platforms hold significant promise for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, with an aim to reduce dosage and lessen side effects. Currently, larger scale production remains a challenge and a topic of active research. CMUH will spare no effort in supporting clinical research and international collaboration with top-tier medical centers pertaining to this field to benefit patients with the latest medical technology.