Co-delivery of curcumin and probiotics via biologic nanoparticles
Expora Therapeutics offers a novel delivery platform using probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with curcumin, enhancing bioavailability and anti-inflammatory efficacy. This cost-effective technology aims to improve gut health, addressing common delivery challenges.
Overview
Expora Therapeutics presents an innovative solution for enhancing gut health through the co-delivery of curcumin and probiotics using biologic nanoparticles. By utilizing probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), this platform enhances the bioavailability and anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin, while maintaining the viability of probiotics during storage. This approach addresses common delivery challenges such as curcumin's insolubility and the low viability of probiotics, potentially improving conditions like gut inflammation and leaky gut syndrome.
Technical specifications
The technology leverages the natural cell communication capabilities of EVs, which are derived from GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) probiotics, ensuring safety and efficacy. Key features include:
- Scalable Manufacturing: A patent-pending process enables cost-effective production, reducing costs by 100 times, with an estimated $5 for a 30-day supply.
- Improved Efficacy: Demonstrated efficacy in mouse models of gut inflammation, matching or exceeding FDA-approved drugs.
- Enhanced Delivery: EVs effectively deliver curcumin, overcoming its natural insolubility and enhancing its therapeutic potential.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, this solution has demonstrated safety and oral bioavailability in animal models. Future validation will focus on optimizing curcumin loading into EVs, testing efficacy in both animal and human models, and refining production processes to increase yield and potency.
About Expora Therapeutics
Expora Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the design and manufacturing of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs). Spun out of the University of Maryland, the company has developed a patent-pending platform, the Expora Platform, which overcomes traditional manufacturing barriers to enable the scalable, consistent, and cost-effective production of BEVs. By utilizing these nano-sized particles produced by probiotic bacteria, Expora provides a non-living, cell-free alternative to traditional probiotics, allowing for precise, predictable, and potent delivery of bioactive payloads. The company's technology includes advanced engineering capabilities to modify BEV payloads, such as small molecules, proteins, peptides, or RNA, for targeted therapeutic applications.
Expora operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and maintains its own therapeutic research and development programs. Its technology addresses critical challenges in human health, particularly in areas like gastrointestinal disease, by offering a drug delivery vehicle that avoids the viability issues associated with live bacteria. By providing a scalable, industrial-grade GMP process for BEVs, Expora serves pharmaceutical and consumer health partners looking to advance novel exosome-based therapies. The company is based in Frederick, Maryland, and is focused on building out its manufacturing and quality systems to scale its platform for diverse therapeutic and consumer applications.
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