This collaboration aims to investigate the natural regenerative potential of stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EVs) in disorders with high medical need that affect musculoskeletal tissues and the central nervous system. Planned preclinical studies will utilize the unique EV preparations that are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) at PMU's Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS). The collaboration is enabled by Boehringer Ingelheim through its Research Beyond Borders program and is part of the company’s long-term commitment to explore emerging and innovative technologies.
The field of „Extracellular Nanovesicles“ is a focus area of the life science research in Salzburg, and PMU has been advancing its own Research Program “Nanovesicular Therapies” for more than six years. The program benefits from the close collaboration with the GMP manufacturing unit and the Transfer Center for Extracellular Vesicles Theralytic Technologies (EVTT), a joint research project between PMU, the University Clinics Salzburg and the Paris-Lodron University Salzburg.
Statements concerning the start of the cooperation:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sperl, Rector, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, “This cooperation with Boehringer Ingelheim, a world-leading pharmaceutical company, will further strengthen the strategic plans of the University to translate innovative basic findings into clinically applicable therapies.”
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Eva Rohde, Director GMP Unit, “We are very excited to enter into this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim under the Research Beyond Borders program and we look forward to gain a deeper understanding of the regenerative potential of stromal cell-derived EVs in regenerative medicine”
Univ.-Doz. Dr. Mario Gimona, Head of Manufacturing and Research GMP Unit, “This collaboration marks an important step in the future development of biologically and therapeutically active nanovesicle-based products here in Salzburg”.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sébastien Couillard-Després, Head Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, "Through its visionary collaboration program, Boehringer Ingelheim enables the PMU to develop innovative answers against complex disorders of the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal tissues."
(*EVTT is a lead project of the Science and Innovation Strategy (WISS2025) of the State of Salzburg and is supported by grants from the State of Salzburg and the European Regional Development Fund for Investment for Growth and Jobs (IWB/EFRE). https://evtt.pmu.ac.at/en/
Press release PMU:
- PMU "Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg and Boehringer Ingelheim collaborate to explore the regenerative potential of extracellular vesicles" [see Homepage]
