Exosome Therapeutics: Global Advances and Strategic Implications for Biomedical Research in Tanzania

Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles, have transitioned from being perceived as cellular debris to being recognized as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication and promising therapeutic agents. This review aimed to synthesize global advancements in exosome therapeutics, analyze the associated translational challenges, and evaluate the specific potential for integrating this technology within Tanzania's biomedical research and healthcare framework. This review utilized peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and Google Scholar, complemented by grey literature including regulatory agency reports and Tanzanian health policy documents, to provide a comprehensive systematic analysis. Studies were selected based on their focus on exosome biology, therapeutic applications (drug delivery, regenerative medicine, diagnostics), manufacturing challenges, regulatory considerations, and/or biomedical research capacity building in low-resource settings. The analysis confirms the significant therapeutic potential of exosomes but highlights major hurdles in standardization, manufacturing, and regulation. For Tanzania, key opportunities include developing exosome-based diagnostics for endemic diseases and leveraging international collaborations, while primary challenges encompass infrastructural deficits and a shortage of specialized expertise. We posit that with strategic investment, exosome technology represents a viable avenue for Tanzanian researchers to engage with cutting-edge biomedicine and develop context-specific solutions to public health challenges.