Neutral Block Copolymer Assisted Gene Delivery using Hydrodynamic Limb Vein Injection.

Three different amphiphilic block copolymer families are synthesized to investigate new opportunities to enhance gene delivery via Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injections. First a polyoxazoline-based family containing mostly one poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx) block and a second block POx with an ethyl (EtOx), isopropyl (iPrOx) or phenyl substituent (PhOx) is synthesized. Then an ABC poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) triblock copolymer is synthesized, with a thermosensitive middle block. Finally, polyglycidol-b-polybutylenoxide-b-polyglycidol copolymers with various molar masses and amphiphilic balance are produced. The simple architecture of neutral amphiphilic triblock copolymer is not sufficient to obtain enhanced in vivo gene transfection. Double or triple amphiphilic neutral block copolymers are improving the in vivo transfection performances through HLV administration as far as a block having an lower critical solution temperature is incorporated in the vector. The molar mass of the copolymer does not seem to affect the vector performances in a significant manner.

The Inhibition of the Membrane-Bound Transcription Factor Site-1 Protease (MBTP1) Alleviates the p.Phe508del-Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Defects in Cystic Fibrosis Cells.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is present due to mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, the most frequent variant being p.phe508del. The CFTR protein is a chloride (Cl-) channel which is defective and almost absent of cell membranes when the p.Phe508del mutation is present. The p.Phe508del-CFTR protein is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and together with inflammation and infection triggers the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). During the UPR, the Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6) is activated with cleavage and then decreases the expression of p.Phe508del-CFTR. We have previously shown that the inhibition of the activation of ATF6 alleviates the p.Phe508del-CFTR defects in cells overexpressing the mutated protein. In the present paper, our aim was to inhibit the cleavage of ATF6, and thus its activation in a human bronchial cell line with endogenous p.Phe508del-CFTR expression and in bronchial cells from patients, to be more relevant to CF. This was achieved by inhibiting the protease MBTP1 which is responsible for the cleavage of ATF6. We show here that this inhibition leads to increased mRNA and p.Phe508del-CFTR expression and, consequently, to increased Cl-efflux. We also explain the mechanisms linked to these increases with the modulation of genes when MBTP1 is inhibited. Indeed, RT-qPCR assays show that genes such as HSPA1B, CEBPB, VIMP, PFND2, MAPK8, XBP1, INSIG1, and CALR are modulated. In conclusion, we show that the inhibition of MBTP1 has a beneficial effect in relevant models to CF and that this is due to the modulation of genes involved in the disease.

Mucoactive drugs and multiple applications in pulmonary disease therapy.

Mucus is a complex polymeric hydrogel that serves as a critical defense in several organs. In the lungs, it provides a formidable barrier against inhaled particles such as microorganisms. In addition, mucus is essential for normal lung physiology, as it promotes immune tolerance and facilitates a normal commensal pulmonary microbiome. Hypersecretion of airway mucus is a characteristic of numerous respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and creates pulmonary obstruction, limiting the effectiveness of inhaled therapies. Due to those alterations, therapeutic strategies must be optimal to limit airway obstruction and restore pulmonary function. Mucoactive drugs are common therapeutic options and are classified into different groups depending on their modes of action, i.e., expectorants, mucokinetics, mucoregulators and mucolytics. This review focuses on mucoactive drugs and their modes of action. A special focus will be made on two challenging pulmonary pathologies: COPD and CF, and on their clinical studies conducted with mucoactive drugs.

BSV163/DOPE-mediated TRAIL gene transfection acts synergistically with chemotherapy against cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Most patients experience recurrence and succumb eventually to resistant disease, underscoring the need for an alternative treatment option. In the presented manuscript, we investigated the effect of the TRAIL-gene, transfected by an innovative bioinspired lipid vector BSV163/DOPE in the presence or absence of cisplatin, to fight against sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer. We showed that BSV163/DOPE can transfect ovarian cancer cell lines (Caov3, OVCAR3, and our new cisplatin-resistant, CR-Caov3) safely and efficiently. In addition, TRAIL-gene transfection in association with cisplatin inhibited cellular growth more efficiently (nearly 50% in Caov3 cells after the combined treatment, and 15% or 25% by each treatment alone, respectively) owing to an increase in apoptosis rate, caspases activity and TRAIL's death receptors expression. Most importantly, such synergistic effect was also observed in CR-Caov3 cells demonstrated by an apoptosis rate of 35% following the combined treatment in comparison with 17% after TRAIL-gene transfection or 6% after cisplatin exposition. These results suggest this combination may have potential application for sensitive as well as refractory ovarian cancer patients.

Impact of mucus and biofilm on antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: Evaluation using Ruthenium(II) complexes.

The biofilm lifestyle of bacterial pathogens is a hallmark of chronic lung infections such as in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Bacterial adaptation to the complex conditions in CF-affected lungs and repeated antibiotherapies lead to increasingly tolerant and hard-to-treat biofilms. In the context of growing antimicrobial resistance and restricted therapeutic options, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) shows great promise as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial modalities. Typically, aPDT consists in irradiating a non-toxic photosensitizer (PS) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which kill pathogens in the surrounding environment. In a previous study, we reported that some ruthenium (II) complexes ([Ru(II)]) can mediate potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) against planktonic cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. In the present work, [Ru(II)] were further assayed to evaluate their ability to photo-inactivate such bacteria under more complex experimental conditions better recapitulating the microenvironment in lung infected airways. Bacterial PDI was tentatively correlated with the properties of [Ru(II)] in biofilms, in mucus, and following diffusion across the latter. Altogether, the results obtained demonstrate the negative impacting role of mucus and biofilm components on [Ru(II)]-mediated PDT, following different possible mechanisms of action. Technical limitations were also identified that may be overcome, making this report a pilot for other similar studies. In conclusion, [Ru(II)] may be subjected to specific chemical engineering and/or drug formulation to adapt their properties to the harsh micro-environmental conditions of the infected respiratory tract.

CFTR and dystrophin encoding plasmids carrying both luciferase reporter gene, nuclear import specific sequences and triple helix sites.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis are two major monogenetic diseases which could be treated by non-viral gene therapy. For this purpose, plasmid DNA (pDNA) coding for the functional genes requires its equipment with signal molecules favouring its intracellular trafficking and delivery in the nucleus of the target cells. Here, two novel constructions of large pDNAs encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) and full-length dystrophin (DYS) genes are reported. The expression of CFTR and DYS genes are driven respectively by the hCEF1 airway epithelial cells and spc5-12 muscle cells specific promoter. Those pDNAs encode also the luciferase reporter gene driven by the CMV promoter to evaluate gene delivery in animals by bioluminescence. In addition, oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sequences are inserted to enable equipment of pDNAs with peptides conjugated with a triple helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO). Furthermore, specific κB sequences are also inserted to promote their NFκB-mediated nuclear import. pDNA constructions are reported; transfection efficiency, tissue specific expression of CFTR and dystrophin in target cells, and triple helix formation are demonstrated. These plasmids are tools of interest to develop non-viral gene therapy of Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Suicide gene strategies applied in ovarian cancer studies.

Ovarian cancer represents the most lethal gynecological malignancy among women in developed countries. Despite the recent innovations, the improvements in the 5-year survival rate have been insufficient and the management of this disease still remains a challenge. The fact that the majority of patients experience recurrent or resistant disease have substantiated the necessity of an innovative treatment. Among various strategies investigated, the recent strides made in gene delivery techniques have made gene therapy, including suicide gene strategies, a potential alternative for treating ovarian cancer. Various suicide gene candidates, which are capable of promoting cancer cell apoptosis directly after its entry or indirectly by prodrug administration, can be separated into three systems using enzyme-coding, toxin or pro-apoptotic genes. With this review, we aim to provide an overview of different suicide genes depending on therapeutic strategies, the vectors used to deliver these transgenes specifically to malignant cells, and the combined treatments of these genes with various therapeutic regimens.

Selective attachment of a microtubule interacting peptide to plasmid DNA via a triplex forming oligonucleotide for transfection improvement.

In nonviral gene therapy approaches, the linkage of signal molecules to plasmid DNA (pDNA) is of interest for guiding its delivery to the nucleus. Here, we report its linkage to a peptide (P79-98) mediating migration on microtubules by using a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO). pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp containing 6 and 36 oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sites (TH), respectively, inserted outside the luciferase gene sequence were used. TFO with a dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO) group in 3' end comprising some Bridged Nucleic Acid bases was conjugated by click chemistry with the peptide carrying an azide function in the C-terminal end. We found the formation of 6 and 18 triplex with pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp, respectively. A twofold increase of the transfection efficiency was observed in the hind-limbs upon Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injection in mice of naked P79-98 -pDNA of 21 kbp. This work paves the way for the selective equipping of pDNA with intracellular targeting molecules while preserving the full expression of the encoded gene.

Synthesis of Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers Poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline-b-ethylenimine) and their DNA Transfection Efficiency.

Gene delivery is now a part of the therapeutic arsenal for vaccination and treatments of inherited or acquired diseases. Polymers represent an opportunity to develop new synthetic vectors for gene transfer, with a prerequisite of improved delivery and reduced toxicity compared to existing polymers. Here, the synthesis in a two-step's procedure of linear poly(ethylenimine-b-2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) block copolymers with the linear polyethylenimine (lPEI) block of various molar masses is reported; the molar mass of the poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPrOx) block has been set to 7 kg mol-1 . Plasmid DNA condensation is successfully achieved, and in vitro transfection efficiency of the copolymers is at least comparable to that obtained with the lPEI of same molar mass. lPEI-b-PiPrOx block copolymers are however less cytotoxic than their linear counterparts. PiPrOx can be a good alternative to PEG which is often used in drug delivery systems. The grafting of histidine moieties on the lPEI block of lPEI-b-PiPrOx does not provide any real improvement of the transfection efficiency. A weak DNA condensation is observed, due to increased steric hindrance along the lPEI backbone. The low cytotoxicity of lPEI-b-PiPrOx makes this family a good candidate for future gene delivery developments.

Gene transfection using branched cationic amphiphilic compounds for an aerosol administration in cystic fibrosis context.

For cystic fibrosis gene therapy, the aerosolization of genetic materials is the most relevant delivery strategy to reach the airway epithelium. However, aerosolized formulations have to resist shear forces while maintaining the integrity of plasmid DNA (pDNA) during its journey from the nebulization to the epithelial cells. Herein, we compared the efficiency of gene delivery by aerosolization of two types of formulations: (i) BSV163, a branched cationic amphiphilic compound, co-formulated with different DOPE ratios (mol/mol) and DMPE-PEG5000 and (ii) 25 KDa branched polyethylenimine (b-PEI)-based formulation used as control. This study also aims to determine whether BSV163-based formulations possess the ability to resist the nebulization mechanisms and protect the nucleic acids (pDNA) cargo. Therefore, two CpG free plasmids (pGM144 or pGM169) encoding either the luciferase reporter gene or hCFTR respectively were used. Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) cell-culture was selected as an in-vitro model for aerosol experiments due to its closer analogy with in vivo morphology. Results highlighted that DOPE ratio influences the capacity of the BSV163 based-formulations to mediate high transfection efficacies. Furthermore, we proved that addition of DMPE-PEG5000 upon the formation of the BSV163/DOPE (1/1) lipid film instead of post-insertion led to a higher transgene expression. The aerosolization of this formulation on ALI cell-culture was more efficient than the use of b-PEI-based formulation.

Job satisfaction criteria to improve general practitioner recruitment: a Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: The clinical general practitioner (GP) workforce is decreasing. Many studies have analysed the negative aspects of the profession but, few examine the positive aspects and job satisfaction. A European collaborative group including 8 participating countries recently conducted a qualitative study to analyse the positive factors and found 31 job satisfaction factors. OBJECTIVES: To determine which of these 31 factors are important and applicable to future policies to improve family medicine attractiveness, recruitment, and retention in France. METHOD: The Delphi consensus method was chosen. Two Delphi rounds were conducted in March-April 2017 and retained satisfaction factors with at least 70% of scores ≥7. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to rank these retained factors. Participants assigned 5 points to the factor they considered most important, 3 points to the second, and 1 point to the third. Factors receiving at least 5% (10 points) of the total points (198 points) were included in the final list. The expert panel included GPs and non-GPs. RESULTS: Twenty-nine experts began the procedure and 22 completed it. Thirty factors were retained after the 2 Delphi rounds. The NGT resulted in 8 factors: (i) Engage in family medicine to take care of the patients; (ii) Care coordination, patient advocacy; (iii) Flexibility in work; (iv) Trying to be a person-centred doctor; (v) Involvement in healthcare organization; (vi) Benefiting from a well-managed practice; (vii) Being a teacher, a trainer; (viii) Efficient professional collaboration. CONCLUSION: These 8 job satisfaction factors are important to consider and apply to future policy development.

In Europe, general practitioner (GP) numbers are falling. Policies considering GP job satisfaction could be a solution. GPs with higher job satisfaction have lower levels of stress and burnout, are more interested in their job, and stay in their job for longer. Recently, a European study found 31 GP factors that influence job satisfaction. However, it is not clear which of these 31 factors policy makers could use to improve attractiveness, recruitment, and retention in family medicine in France. A panel of experts consisting of GPs and non-GPs used the Delphi consensus method to agree on which satisfaction factors were relevant and important. These factors were then ranked in order of importance. The experts agreed upon thirty satisfaction factors. From these, 8 were ranked as most important: (i) Engage in family medicine to take care of patients; (ii) Care coordination, patient advocacy; (iii) Flexibility in work; (iv) Trying to be a person-centred doctor; (v) Involvement in the healthcare organization; (vi) Benefiting from a well-managed practice; (vii) Being a teacher, a trainer; (viii) Efficient professional collaboration. These should be considered and applied to future policy development.

Liposome-Mediated Gene Transfer in Differentiated HepaRG™ Cells: Expression of Liver Specific Functions and Application to the Cytochrome P450 2D6 Expression.

The goal of this study was to establish a procedure for gene delivery mediated by cationic liposomes in quiescent differentiated HepaRG™ human hepatoma cells. We first identified several cationic lipids promoting efficient gene transfer with low toxicity in actively dividing HepG2, HuH7, BC2 and progenitor HepaRG™ human hepatoma cells. The lipophosphoramidate Syn1-based nanovector, which allowed the highest transfection efficiencies of progenitor HepaRG™ cells, was next used to transfect differentiated HepaRG™ cells. Lipofection of these cells using Syn1-based liposome was poorly efficient most likely because the differentiated HepaRG™ cells are highly quiescent. Thus, we engineered the differentiated HepaRG™ Mitogenic medium supplement (ADD1001) that triggered robust proliferation of differentiated cells. Importantly, we characterized the phenotypical changes occurring during proliferation of differentiated HepaRG™ cells and demonstrated that mitogenic stimulation induced a partial and transient decrease in the expression levels of some liver specific functions followed by a fast recovery of the full differentiation status upon removal of the mitogens. Taking advantage of the proliferation of HepaRG™ cells, we defined lipofection conditions using Syn1-based liposomes allowing transient expression of the cytochrome P450 2D6, a phase I enzyme poorly expressed in HepaRG cells, which opens new means for drug metabolism studies in HepaRG™ cells.

Effects of the Sex Steroid Hormone Estradiol on Biofilm Growth of Cystic Fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates.

Women with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to men, which is indicated by an earlier impairment of lung function due to chronic colonization with biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is growing evidence that blood serum concentrations of the steroid sex hormone estradiol (E2) correlate with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in CF but also play a role in the mucoid switch of P. aeruginosa. This study aims to shed light on possible microbiological reasons for sexual dimorphism in CF by investigating the influence of E2 on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa CF isolates. For this purpose, 10 CF isolates of the respiratory tract derived from different CF patients have been treated with E2 in a microtiter plate biofilm model. Biofilms have been examined by crystal violet assays, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), 3D laser scanning microscopy (LSM), and quorum sensing (QS) reporter assays of the supernatants taken from biofilms. This allowed us to simultaneously investigate the effects of E2 on attached biofilm mass, biofilm ultrastructure, and QS activity. Upon E2 treatment, six out of 10 investigated CF isolates showed an increase of attached biofilm mass, whereas biofilms from two tested non-CF laboratory strains (PAO1 and ATCC19660) did not. Moreover, FE-SEM and 3D LSM analyses of the E2 responsive CF biofilms revealed ultrastructural remodeling of biofilm structure at different scales with increased formation of prominent biofilm spots, enhanced coverage with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and extended average surface roughness. QS activity measurements performed in biofilm supernatants via luminescence acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) reporter assays further showed that E2 treatment may also modulate QS signaling, as shown in an E2 sensitive CF isolate. Together, our results suggest the biofilm modulating effects of E2 on various clinical CF isolates that are documented by both biomass and ultrastructural changes of biofilms. The gained new insight into the influence of steroid hormones on P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes might pave the way for novel future approaches in personalized medicine based on the patients' sex and hormonal status.

Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Prospects for Application in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Airways.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) depends on a variety of parameters notably related to the photosensitizers used, the pathogens to target and the environment to operate. In a previous study using a series of Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl ([Ru(II)]) complexes, we reported the importance of the chemical structure on both their photo-physical/physico-chemical properties and their efficacy for aPDT. By employing standard in vitro conditions, effective [Ru(II)]-mediated aPDT was demonstrated against planktonic cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains notably isolated from the airways of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. CF lung disease is characterized with many pathophysiological disorders that can compromise the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Taking this into account, the present study is an extension of our previous work, with the aim of further investigating [Ru(II)]-mediated aPDT under in vitro experimental settings approaching the conditions of infected airways in CF patients. Thus, we herein studied the isolated influence of a series of parameters (including increased osmotic strength, acidic pH, lower oxygen availability, artificial sputum medium and biofilm formation) on the properties of two selected [Ru(II)] complexes. Furthermore, these compounds were used to evaluate the possibility to photoinactivate P. aeruginosa while preserving an underlying epithelium of human bronchial epithelial cells. Altogether, our results provide substantial evidence for the relevance of [Ru(II)]-based aPDT in CF lung airways. Besides optimized nano-complexes, this study also highlights the various needs for translating such a challenging perspective into clinical practice.

Examining positive views from students, trainees and GPs about general practice: a generational problem? A set of qualitative studies in France.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the positive factors related to working in general practice in France, from a student studying medicine, trainee general practitioner (GP) and GP point of view. SETTING: Primary care, France. DESIGN: Nine different qualitative studies involving medical students, trainees and GPs. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-seven medical students, 22 trainees in general practice and 71 GPs. RESULTS: The final codebook contained 66 interpretative codes and 8 positive themes. The themes were general practice as a commitment, doctor-patient care and relationships, skills and competencies in general practice, practice organisation and work-life balance, relationship with the professional community, GPs and university, GPs in the social community and private life, relatives and family. Positive feelings about being a GP are similar throughout the different age groups, from young students to older professionals. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study provided a comprehensive picture of the satisfied GP across different ages. This picture describes GPs as patient-centred professionals who need to have the freedom to choose an efficient working environment, organise their practice, have opportunities for professional development and acquire specific competencies. Both younger and older GPs believe in the future of general practice.

Cutevariant: a standalone GUI-based desktop application to explore genetic variations from an annotated VCF file.

Summary: Cutevariant is a graphical user interface (GUI)-based desktop application designed to filter variations from annotated VCF file. The application imports data into a local SQLite database where complex filter queries can be built either from GUI controllers or using a domain-specific language called Variant Query Language. Cutevariant provides more features than existing applications and is fully customizable thanks to a complete plugins architecture. Availability and implementation: Cutevariant is distributed as a multiplatform client-side software under an open source license and is available at https://github.com/labsquare/cutevariant.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Latest Developments with a Focus on Combinatory Strategies.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has become a fundamental tool in modern therapeutics, notably due to the expanding versatility of photosensitizers (PSs) and the numerous possibilities to combine aPDT with other antimicrobial treatments to combat localized infections. After revisiting the basic principles of aPDT, this review first highlights the current state of the art of curative or preventive aPDT applications with relevant clinical trials. In addition, the most recent developments in photochemistry and photophysics as well as advanced carrier systems in the context of aPDT are provided, with a focus on the latest generations of efficient and versatile PSs and the progress towards hybrid-multicomponent systems. In particular, deeper insight into combinatory aPDT approaches is afforded, involving non-radiative or other light-based modalities. Selected aPDT perspectives are outlined, pointing out new strategies to target and treat microorganisms. Finally, the review works out the evolution of the conceptually simple PDT methodology towards a much more sophisticated, integrated, and innovative technology as an important element of potent antimicrobial strategies.

Phosphonodithioester-Amine Coupling as a Key Reaction Step for the Design of Cationic Amphiphiles Used for Gene Delivery.

A convergent synthesis of cationic amphiphilic compounds is reported here with the use of the phosphonodithioester-amine coupling (PAC) reaction. This versatile reaction occurs at room temperature without any catalyst, allowing binding of the lipid moiety to a polar head group. This strategy is illustrated with the use of two lipid units featuring either two oleyl chains or two-branched saturated lipid chains. The final cationic amphiphiles were evaluated as carriers for plasmid DNA delivery in four cell lines (A549, Calu3, CFBE and 16HBE) and were compared to standards (BSV36 and KLN47). These new amphiphilic derivatives, which were formulated with DOPE or DOPE-cholesterol as helper lipids, feature high transfection efficacies when associated with DOPE. The highest transfection efficacies were observed in the four cell lines at low charge ratios (CR = 0.7, 1 or 2). At these CRs, no toxic effects were detected. Altogether, this new synthesis scheme using the PAC reaction opens up new possibilities for investigating the effects of lipid or polar head groups on transfection efficacies.

Apparent Yield Stress of Sputum as a Relevant Biomarker in Cystic Fibrosis.

The mucus obstructing the airways of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is a yield stress fluid. Linear and non-linear rheological analyses of CF sputa can provide relevant biophysical markers, which could be used for the management of this disease. Sputa were collected from CF patients either without any induction or following an aerosol treatment with the recombinant human DNAse (rhDNAse, Pulmozyme®). Several sample preparations were considered and multiple measurements were performed in order to assess both the repeatability and the robustness of the rheological measurements. The linear and non-linear rheological properties of all CF sputa were characterized. While no correlation between oscillatory shear linear viscoelastic properties and clinical data was observed, the steady shear flow data showed that the apparent yield stress of sputum from CF patients previously treated with rhDNAse was approximately one decade lower than that of non-treated CF patients. Similar results were obtained with sputa from non-induced CF patients subjected ex vivo to a Pulmozyme® aerosol treatment. The results demonstrate that the apparent yield stress of patient sputa is a relevant predictive/prognostic biomarker in CF patients and could help in the development of new mucolytic agents.

Development of extracellular vesicle-based medicinal products: A position paper of the group "Extracellular Vesicle translatiOn to clinicaL perspectiVEs - EVOLVE France".

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are emergent therapeutic effectors that have reached clinical trial investigation. To translate EV-based therapeutic to clinic, the challenge is to demonstrate quality, safety, and efficacy, as required for any medicinal product. EV research translation into medicinal products is an exciting and challenging perspective. Recent papers, provide important guidance on regulatory aspects of pharmaceutical development, defining EVs for therapeutic applications and critical considerations for the development of potency tests. In addition, the ISEV Task Force on Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Use of EV-based Therapeutics as well as the Exosomes Committee from the ISCT are expected to contribute in an active way to the development of EV-based medicinal products by providing update on the scientific progress in EVs field, information to patients and expert resource network for regulatory bodies. The contribution of our work group "Extracellular Vesicle translatiOn to clinicaL perspectiVEs - EVOLVE France", created in 2020, can be positioned in complement to all these important initiatives. Based on complementary scientific, technical, and medical expertise, we provide EV-specific recommendations for manufacturing, quality control, analytics, non-clinical development, and clinical trials, according to current European legislation. We especially focus on early phase clinical trials concerning immediate needs in the field. The main contents of the investigational medicinal product dossier, marketing authorization applications, and critical guideline information are outlined for the transition from research to clinical development and ultimate market authorization.