Summary

A facility in Southwest Virginia is preparing to supply milk-derived exosomes for potential medical treatments, including applications for cancer patients, cardiac care, and protection from radiation exposure.

Key Facts

• The facility extracts exosomes from milk for medical use
• Potential applications include cancer treatment and cardiac care
• Research includes protection from radiation exposure for military applications

Context

Exosomes are small vesicles that cells release for intercellular communication, and researchers have identified them as promising vehicles for delivering therapeutic compounds. The Virginia facility focuses on extracting these particles from milk, which provides a scalable source compared to cell culture methods.

Potential applications under investigation include cancer treatment, cardiac care following heart attacks, and protection for military personnel against radioactive events. The facility aims to become a significant supplier as research into exosome-based therapies advances.

Sources

• Starexponent
• Martinsvillebulletin