The National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) seeks to advance its mission by advancing research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their use as therapeutics in the field of regenerative medicine.

The main objective of this program, Extracellular Vesicle Therapeutics for Regenerative Medicine (ExTReMe), is to support the translation of EV-based therapeutics in regenerative medicine. EVs, like exosomes and microvesicles, are crucial mediators of intercellular communication, carrying diverse cargo like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. In regenerative medicine, EVs play a significant role by influencing cellular behaviors during tissue repair and regeneration. Due to their natural function in intercellular communication, EVs represent a novel, cell-free, therapeutic tool. EVs can be further engineered to deliver therapeutic agents or modulate signaling pathways involved in repair/regeneration.

Areas of interest for ExTReMe could include, but are not limited to:

1. direct EV therapy (stem cell-isolated EVs produced under GLP conditions, and stored as off-the-shelf therapies);
2. designer EVs (personalized to the individual patient’s needs).

Grant authorities that allow the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) to forecast this opportunity are as follows: 42 U.S. Code § 287a - Cures Acceleration Network

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• County governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities
• State governments

Education

• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts

Nonprofit

• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)