Exploring the Emerging Application Areas for Milk-derived Exosomes
In recent years, the dairy industry has witnessed a surging demand for innovative, value-added products that cater to the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.
Among these innovations, milk-derived exosomes stand out for their exceptional stability in the gastrointestinal environment.
Naturally present in milk, these nano-sized vesicles are emerging as a promising new platform for therapeutics, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.
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This study explores the three emerging key application areas for milk-derived exosomes and the recent developments within each application area.
1. Exosomes for Skeletal Health
Abbott Laboratories has recently been active in securing patents related to employing milk exosomes for various health benefits. These benefits include delayed progression of fatty liver disease, reduced risk of diabetes and insulin resistance, enhanced physical performance, better muscle recovery, promotion of bone development, and improved joint health.
Their recent patent targets improved joint health through a product enriched with intact exosomes sourced from bovine milk, specifically derived from the whey component, potentially including cheese whey. Their research indicates that administering 12.5 µg/ml of these exosomes resulted in a significant 30% boost in proteoglycan formation, crucial for joint cartilage.
2. Exosomes as Topical Cosmeceutical
EriVan Bio, supported by the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator in Florida, has submitted a patent for a cosmeceutical formulation combining exosomes derived from milk with those from mesenchymal cells to improve skin and hair health.
Similarly, Kyung Hee University’s University-Industry Cooperation in Seoul has patented a composition utilizing milk-based exosomes to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Research associated with this patent indicated that applying 50 µg/ml of milk exosomes can lead to a more than 150% increase in collagen synthesis and can reduce the elastase enzyme’s activity, contributing to skin aging by 1.5-fold.
3. Exosomes as Bio-carriers
The Tiny Cargo Company, a 2018 start-up incubated within Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s J-LABS, is developing a novel drug named Xolacta. This drug is based on milk exosomes isolated from cow milk and enriched with the α-CT11 peptide. The company claims that Xolacta is the first therapy to provide whole-body protection from radiation. Additionally, Tiny Cargo has developed a method for extracting exosomes from cow milk at an industrial scale. It possesses licensed technology for loading potent therapeutics into these exosomes, creating a novel drug delivery system.
The company’s target applications for these activated exosomes include infant nutrition, muscle and bone recovery, and gut health. With plans to commercialize its exosome technology by late 2024, Tiny Cargo has secured an investment from Virginia Venture Partners (VVP) to expand and safeguard its drug delivery platform. Also, Virginia Tech has been the assignee of its patents related to the isolation methodology of exosomes.
Similar to exploring the benefits of milk exosomes as a bio-carrier, Abbott has filed a patent to enhance the bioavailability of Vitamin K2 by loading milk exosomes with the same. The patent findings described an 81% and 66% increase in the bioavailability of vitamin K2 in serum and lymph, respectively, when administered along with bovine milk exosomes.
Future Outlook
As we look ahead, this nascent field will reshape the dairy industry’s approach to health and nutrition. These innovations highlight the vast potential of using milk-derived exosomes as functional ingredients across various health-focused applications, paving the way for ground-breaking innovations in therapeutics, nutraceuticals, and personal care.
Since much research remains to be done, a highly aligned business approach, research, and patent strategy will undoubtedly benefit your business, and that’s where GreyB can help!
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Authored By – Sunandita Pandit, Patent Analytics
Edited By – Ridhima Mahajan, Marketing
Also Read – 4 Plant-based innovations of 2024 that make dairy-free products consumer acceptable
