Keynote Presentation: Exosomes versus Liposomes as Next Generation Therapeutics with Live Q&A

Liposomes were formulated for the first time at the beginning of the 1960s, exosomes were named as such at the beginning of the 1980s. Liposomes have been extensively explored as a drug delivery system for 50+ years, and exosomes have been systematically studied for their essential and multifaceted roles in cell biology, physiology and disease for over 40 years. More recently, exosomes came into the spotlight as a potential drug delivery system, based among others on their biocompatibility, low-toxicity and low immunogenicity, which are essential features they have in common with liposomes. The first liposomal drug was FDA approved in 1995, currently there are over 15 liposome-based nanomedicines in the clinic. On the way towards drug approval, Liposomologists had to solve numerous problems which are currently also being discussed by researchers who are trying to utilize exosomes as a drug delivery system. Such problems involve basic pharmacokinetic issues, like absorption, distribution and clearance, further efficient drug loading, vesicle stability, surface modifications (leading to potential immunogenicity) and finally all aspects associated with pharmaceutical manufacturing including appropriate methods for vesicle characterization. This presentation will first give an overview about the biogenesis and classification of exosomes as well as about their multitude of physiological functions followed by a focus on lessons learned in the history of over 50 years of Liposome Technology, which should be heeded by new investigators who are exploring exosomes as a drug delivery system.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain biogenesis, classifcation and physiological functions of exosomes and extracellular vesicles.

2. Discuss the multitude of challenges associated with the translation of exosomes and extracellular vesicles into the clinic.

3. Interpret the lessons learned from the development of FDA-approved liposomal drugs.