Life-changing science

What’s the potential of Aruna Bio’s research?

For over 17 years, Aruna Bio has been leading the research and manufacturing of human neural stem cells in collaboration with some of the world’s leading research organizations. Today, we are advancing a new class of cell-free biologics – neural exosomes derived from neural stem cells. Our proprietary therapeutic neural exosomes naturally target cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and have been shown to cross the blood-brain-barrier in preclinical models.

Quite simply, our unique and proprietary neural-derived exosomes will present those treating neurodegenerative diseases with a transformational platform. Until now, the potential of exosomes in neurological science has not been fully explored. However, the research and development at Aruna Bio has the ability to revolutionize how a range of presently untreatable diseases could be managed.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are incredibly small “parcels” that are released by virtually every cell in the body. They are used by cells to deliver proteins and RNA (ribonucleic acid - a molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes) throughout the body.

What do they do?

Cells use exosomes to regulate or communicate with either neighboring cells or those in other organs. Once the exosome arrives at the right destination, it is permitted through the target cell wall and the contents of the exosome are “unpacked”, delivering the proteins or RNA into the cell.

What makes Aruna Bio's AB126 exosome unique?

Commercially available exosomes are often derived from tissue such as blood, which means they lack innate CNS specificity. However, AB126 are allogenic neural exosomes derived from neural stem cells. This means they possess many of the same proteins as the ‘parent’ cell and are coded for use in CNS applications. Select surface proteins are the key to the blood/brain barrier lock, so they are granted access to where other therapeutics cannot.
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Preclinical research with AB126 has demonstrated the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and concentrate in areas of the brain such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are regions of the brain responsible for motor movements, procedural leaning and cognition. As such, it can act as a transformational platform for treating neurological conditions such as stroke and neurodegenerative disease.
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Either as a therapeutic agent or as a payload delivery system for siRNA (small interfering RNA), ASOs (allele-specific oligonucleotides) and proteins such as mAbs (monoclonal antibodies), AB126 is capable of breaching the barrier that has hampered many major advances in the neurological arena for years.

Generic exosome


Does not have inherent CNS specificity
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Generic exosome illustration

AB126 (Neural exosome)

Derived from proprietary non-transformed neural stem cells
Markers on the surface of AB126 result in unique characteristics
Cargo contained in AB126 provides theraputic benefit
AB126 neural exosome

As a neural-derived exosome,
AB126 has three important modes of action:

AB126 exosome

Reduces Neuro-inflammation

Reduces pro-inflammatory T-cells
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Increases anti-inflammatory T-cells and
anti-inflammatory macrophages

Promotes Neuro-protection

Prevents cell death by reducing oxidative stress to enhance neural survival

Stimulates Neuro-regeneration

Increases neural stem cell proliferation resulting in neural growth and remyelination
Webb, R.L., et. al. (2018). Translational Stroke Research, 9(5): 530–539.
Webb, R.L., et. al. (2018). Stroke, 49(5): 1248-1256.
Sun, M., et. al. (2020). Journal of Neurotrauma, 37: 1358-1369.
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