Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing erythrocytes loaded with one or more substance of pharmaceutical interest. The present invention is also directed to loaded erythrocytes thus obtained and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said population of loaded erythrocytes as well as therapeutic application thereof, in particular in the treatment of Ataxia telangiectasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing erythrocytes loaded with one or more substance of pharmaceutical interest. The present invention is also directed to loaded erythrocytes thus obtained and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said population of loaded erythrocytes as well as therapeutic application thereof, in particular in the treatment of Ataxia telangiectasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel procedure for evaluating the response of patients affected by Ataxia Talangiectasia (A-T) to glucocorticoids treatment. In particular, the procedure provides a step of qualitative and/or quantitative identification in the blood of said patients of the expression of a mRNA variant of the ATM (Ataxia-Talangiectasia-Mutated) gene produced by non-canonical splicing induced by glucocorticoid (GC). In fact, it was demonstrated that mRNA variant expression is present in the blood of patients who responded positively to treatment with GC.

Abstract: Erythrocytes exposed to dialysis with an hypotonic buffer stably take up superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and may be used MRI contrast agents. Such erythrocytes may also be used as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A portable and highly automated apparatus and method for introducing at least one compound within erythrocytes; the apparatus comprises a reusable part provided with mechanical elements such as pumps and valves and electronic units such as a control unit; the apparatus also comprises a disposable part, which is adapted to come into contact with the sample containing the erythrocytes and is provided with a system of tubes made of deformable material, a plurality of reservoirs and one or more filters; the apparatus allows a further concentration of the erythrocytes after they have been treated; the apparatus allows to introduce the compound in the erythrocytes in a virtually totally automated manner.

Abstract: Red blood cells can be used as effective drug delivery systems when they contain proteins that do not readily diffuse out and which form affinity complexes with the desired drug.

Abstract: A portable and highly automated apparatus and method for introducing at least one compound within erythrocytes; the apparatus comprises a reusable part provided with mechanical elements such as pumps and valves and electronic units such as a control unit; the apparatus also comprises a disposable part, which is adapted to come into contact with the sample containing the erythrocytes and is provided with a system of tubes made of deformable material, a plurality of reservoirs and one or more filters; the apparatus allows a further concentration of the erythrocytes after they have been treated; the apparatus allows to introduce the compound in the erythrocytes in a virtually totally automated manner.