# STTR Phase I: Fibroblast-Derived Engineered Extracellular Vesicles (eEVs) as New Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Delivery Systems for Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Genetic Disorders

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · NEUCORE BIO, INC. (OH) · $304,951

## Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project lies in its ability to advance gene therapy for neurological disorders by developing a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing process for extracellular vesicle (EV)-based therapeutics. This innovation has the potential to improve treatment safety, precision, and accessibility for patients with conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), addressing a critical unmet medical need. By streamlining production methods, this project aims to lower the cost of EV-based therapies, making them more widely available. Additionally, the technology is expected to drive growth in the U.S. biotechnology sector, fostering job creation and reinforcing the nation's leadership in gene therapy innovation. The commercial potential is significant, as this approach may enable the development of novel, non-viral gene therapies with broad applications in precision medicine.

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to address key technical challenges in the scalable manufacturing of EV-based gene therapies. The research focuses on improving methods for EV isolation, purification, and cargo loading to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Specific objectives include optimizing culture conditions, refining chemical transfection protocols, and developing standardized procedures for loading exogenous DNA into EVs. The project will also evaluate biodistribution, dosing, 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2507437
- **Awardee organization:** NEUCORE BIO, INC. (OH)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WH41WJ5LDF85
- **PI:** Silvia Duarte-Sanmiguel
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** BIOMEDICAL ENG AND DIAGNOSTICS
- **Estimated total:** $304,951
- **Funds obligated:** $304,951
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 07/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2507437

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2507437, STTR Phase I: Fibroblast-Derived Engineered Extracellular Vesicles (eEVs) as New Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Delivery Systems for Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Genetic Disorders. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2507437. Licensed CC0.

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