A groundbreaking mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has demonstrated significant survival benefits for critically ill COVID-19 patients. An Israeli company reported successful treatment of its first COVID-19 patient under the country’s compassionate use program. The company’s findings showed that six critically ill patients, all at high mortality risk, received treatment with human mesenchymal stem cells and survived.
In the United States, another patient received similar cellular therapy at the Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey, conducting a phase III study on MSC therapy for critical limb ischemia. This patient, suffering from severe respiratory failure due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), was intubated in an ICU for three weeks. The treatment was administered under the U.S. Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program, designed to expedite patient therapies.
“Recent studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cell therapy could be a viable treatment option for severe COVID-19 cases.”
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Treatment Details
In Israel, six patients received the MSC therapy across three different medical centers over a week under a compassionate use program. These patients had acute respiratory failure and inflammatory complications related to COVID-19. Four of them also had multiple organ failures, including cardiovascular and renal issues.
Results
Remarkably, a week after treatment, not only did all patients survive, but four showed improved respiratory parameters, and three were in advanced stages of weaning off ventilators. Additionally, two patients with preexisting conditions demonstrated clinical recovery alongside respiratory improvements.
Mechanism of Action
This cellular treatment involves using mesenchymal stem cells known for their immunomodulatory properties. These cells activate natural regulatory T cells and M2 macrophages in the immune system. This potentially reverses the dangerous overactivation of the immune system, reducing lethal symptoms of pneumonia and pneumonitis (lung tissue inflammation).
Broader Implications
Clinical studies on mesenchymal stem cells highlight their significant therapeutic effects on conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, acute kidney injuries, and gastrointestinal injuries.
Conclusion
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients. The compelling results from Israel and the United States indicate that MSC therapy can significantly improve survival rates. It can also reduce the severity of respiratory and systemic complications associated with COVID-19. This innovative treatment leverages the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells. It can potentially reverse the dangerous overactivation of the immune system. This is seen in severe COVID-19 cases. As clinical studies continue to validate these findings, MSC therapy could become a vital tool. It could fight not only COVID-19 but also other severe inflammatory and respiratory conditions. The ongoing research and application of this therapy highlight its potential to transform critical care and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Thereafter, be sure to visit our article What are stem cells?
