EXOSOME-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A NEXTGENERATION STRATEGY FOR TARGETED THERAPEUTICS

Targeted drug delivery remains a major challenge in modern therapeutics due to issues such
as poor drug bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and lack of tissue specificity. Recently,
exosomes have emerged as promising natural nanocarriers for efficient drug delivery.
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by various cell types
and play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, and
nucleic acids. Their unique biological properties, including high biocompatibility, low
immunogenicity, and
intrinsic targeting ability, make them attractive candidates for advanced drug delivery
systems. Exosome-based delivery platforms have demonstrated significant potential in
improving the therapeutic efficacy of drugs, particularly in the treatment of complex diseases
such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These vesicles can be
engineered to encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecule drugs,
RNA therapeutics, and proteins. Additionally, their ability to cross biological barriers, such as
the blood–brain barrier, offers a unique advantage for treating neurological disorders.
Recent advances in biotechnology have enabled the development of modified or engineered
exosomes with improved targeting efficiency and drug loading capacity. Despite promising
results, challenges such as large-scale production, purification, and standardization remain
critical for clinical translation. Overall, exosome-based drug delivery represents a cuttingedge approach with the potential to revolutionize precision medicine and future therapeutic
strategies.
Keywords: Exosomes; Targeted Drug Delivery; Nanomedicine; Precision Medicine.