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- Researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) have developed a novel method for targeted drug delivery using extracellular vesicles (EVs) modified with specific peptides, demonstrating...
- Extracellular vesicles are naturally occurring nanoparticles released by cells that play a role in intercellular communication.
- According to a press release from UNIMORE published on December 18, 2025, the research team successfully engineered EVs to target melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.The modified...
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Achieves Breakthrough in Targeted Drug Delivery
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Researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) have developed a novel method for targeted drug delivery using extracellular vesicles (EVs) modified with specific peptides, demonstrating promising results in preclinical studies as of January 13, 2026. This innovation aims to improve the efficacy of treatments while minimizing side effects by directing medication specifically to diseased cells.
Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Carriers
Extracellular vesicles are naturally occurring nanoparticles released by cells that play a role in intercellular communication. UNIMORE researchers are harnessing these vesicles as a delivery system for therapeutic drugs.The key advancement lies in modifying the surface of these EVs with peptides that recognize and bind to specific receptors found on target cells, such as cancer cells.
According to a press release from UNIMORE published on December 18, 2025, the research team successfully engineered EVs to target melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.The modified evs exhibited enhanced uptake by melanoma cells compared to unmodified evs.
Peptide Modification and Targeting Specificity
The specificity of the drug delivery system is achieved through the careful selection and attachment of peptides to the EV surface. These peptides act as “address labels,” guiding the EVs to cells expressing the corresponding receptors. This targeted approach contrasts with traditional drug delivery methods, where medication circulates throughout the body, affecting both healthy and diseased tissues.
Professor Francesca Curnis, lead researcher on the project, stated in the UNIMORE press release that “the use of peptides allows us to precisely control the targeting of EVs, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing off-target effects.”
Preclinical Results and Future Directions
Preclinical studies, conducted on mouse models of melanoma, demonstrated that the peptide-modified EVs effectively delivered a chemotherapeutic drug to tumor sites, resulting in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared to control groups receiving the drug alone. the study, details of which are available in a publication in International Journal of Molecular Sciences on November 2, 2023, showed a 60% reduction in tumor volume in the treated group.
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is currently seeking partnerships to advance this technology towards clinical trials.Further research will focus on optimizing the EV production process, expanding the range of targetable diseases, and evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of the approach. The research is supported by funding from the Italian Ministry of University and research.