ProMedica announced promising results of its new study that evaluated the use of stem cells in the treatment of adult COVID-19 patients.

Eight patients elected to participate in a study under Emergency Investigational New Drug (IND) approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients received either one or two doses of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells manufactured by Stemedica Cell Technologies at its Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliant California State-licensed facility. The first set of patients was treated with one dose of 100 million cells, and the second set received two doses of 50 million cells.

The stem cell treatment resulted in an improved clinical course for the patients. Within 24-48 hours of receiving the stem cells, all patients had a significant reduction in oxygen requirements. Several patients went from an inability to talk or eat due to shortness of breath to speaking in full sentences and eating full meals comfortably shortly after treatment.

The study also found improved inflammatory modulation. In fact, 88 percent of patients had a significant reduction in acute phase reactants, which are markers for reductions in inflammation. The subsequent reduction in inflammatory markers resulted in a reduced 'cytokine storm' in 88 percent of patients. Researchers noted that these patients experienced quicker extubation, less lung trauma and less oxygen toxicity.

The stem cell treatment also seemed to accelerate post-discharge recovery. At their one-month follow-up appointments, the patients who received stem cells improved at a faster rate than comparable patients not treated with stem cells. The stem cell treated patients were tolerating more activity, walking farther and not requiring home oxygen when evaluated at 30 days post discharge.

"It has been really exciting for ProMedica to conduct this innovative research, and we are very encouraged by the results. We're eager to move into the next phase of the study because of the significant potential to help COVID-19 patients, in particular those who continue to experience lung damage after contracting the virus," said Greg Kasper, vice president medical affairs, metro region, ProMedica. "The residual circulating stem cells end up residing in the lungs as a reservoir, which may lead to improved long-term lung health and a better quality of life post-COVID-19."

ProMedica is working to secure funding to advance a Phase 2 study in conjunction with Stemedica, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of progenitor cell and protein therapeutics for underserved medical conditions.

"We know that the immune-modulating properties of stem cells are quite remarkable in that they block the cytokine storm. COVID-19 offers a new frontier for exploring the potential benefits of stem cell therapy and, in particular, a clinical reduction of inflammation. The early findings and clinical outcomes of the study with ProMedica are encouraging, and we are hopeful to move into the next phase soon. Together, we have an opportunity to speed up the discovery of new treatments and potentially minimize the devastation of this pandemic," said Nikolai Tankovich, president and chief medical officer, Stemedica.