E. coli-derived outer membrane vesicles

E. coli-derived outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are a biologic platform technology rather than a single distinct drug product. They are nanoscale (20-200 nm), spherical vesicles naturally secreted by the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. These vesicles are being investigated as a versatile platform for drug delivery, vaccines, and immunotherapy. OMVs can be genetically engineered to display specific antigens or deliver therapeutic cargo. They inherently contain immunostimulatory components, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which activate the host's immune system, though detoxified versions are being developed to improve safety. Research is currently in the preclinical stage, exploring applications in cancer immunotherapy for diseases like colorectal cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and neuroblastoma, as well as for transdermal drug delivery.

Other names

E. coli-derived OMVsE. coli OMVs