Therapeutic Application of Small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs): Pharmaceutical and Pharmacokinetic Challenges

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), including exosomes as typical example, are cell-derived vesicles comprising lipid bilayer with a diameter approximately 100 nm. sEVs are endogenous delivery vehicles that deliver their contents such as nucleic acids and proteins to recipient cells. Because of their potential nature as endogenous delivery vehicles, therapeutic applications of sEVs as delivery systems of various drugs are expected. To develop sEV-based therapeutics, a variety of challenges should be overcome. In this review, we summarize the current status and future perspectives of therapeutic applications of sEVs. Several pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic challenges will be discussed.