The safety and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell for acute respiratory distress syndrome: an open-label and multicenter phase 1 clinical trial - Report - MDSpire

The safety and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell for acute respiratory distress syndrome: an open-label and multicenter phase 1 clinical trial

  • By

  • Qinggang Ge

  • Libo Zheng

  • Man Zhao

  • Chao Li

  • Zhiling Zhao

  • Zongyu Wang

  • Qiang Zhang

  • Mai Shi

  • Yuxuan Li

  • Jianan Zhang

  • Yixian Qiao

  • Senhao Wei

  • Ning Shen

  • Haomiao Long

  • Yongjun Liu

  • Jie Qiao

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluation of Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of hUC-MSCs in ARDS

Overview

This Phase I trial evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of allogeneic human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in patients with mild-to-moderate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Results indicated no severe adverse events and promising efficacy in the middle dose group, warranting further investigation.

Background

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a critical condition with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. The incidence of ARDS has increased, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in modulating inflammatory responses and improving outcomes in ARDS patients.

Data Highlights

OutcomeResultP-value
28-day all-cause mortality rate8.3% (1/12)-
PaO2/FiO2 improvement (middle dose)+100.07 mmHgP < 0.001
PaO2 improvement (middle dose)+21.88 mmHgP = 0.002
Lung Injury Score reductionSignificant-
SOFA score reductionSignificant-
APACHE II score reductionSignificant-

Key Findings

  • No dose-limiting toxicity or severe adverse events were observed across all dose groups.
  • The overall 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 8.3%, with 0% mortality in COVID-19-related ARDS patients.
  • Significant improvements in PaO2/FiO2 and PaO2 were noted in the middle dose group.
  • Reductions in Lung Injury Score, SOFA, and APACHE II scores were significant without dose-dependent effects.
  • hUC-MSCs modulated the inflammatory response and restored immune balance.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that hUC-MSCs are safe and well-tolerated in patients with mild-to-moderate ARDS. The observed improvements in oxygenation and lung injury scores indicate potential therapeutic benefits that may inform future treatment strategies.

Conclusion

The trial demonstrates the safety and preliminary efficacy of hUC-MSCs in ARDS patients, supporting the need for larger randomized controlled trials to further evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Intensive Care Medicine, 2021 -- Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (MUST-ARDS): A Phase 1/2 Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
  2. Basic Research in Cardiology, 2020 -- Compassionate Use of Allogeneic Cardiosphere-Derived Cells (CAP-1002) in Severely Affected COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series
  3. Blood Cancer Journal, 2024 -- Phase II Trial Assessing a New CXCR2 Agonist and Plerixafor for Enhanced Stem Cell Mobilization in Multiple Myeloma Patients
  4. Bone Marrow Transplantation -- Utilization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Management of Refractory Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
  5. Guidelines for the Administration of Neuromuscular Blockade in Adults With ARDS | SCCM
  6. Treatment with allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells for moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (START study): a randomised phase 2a safety trial - PMC
  7. Guidelines for the Administration of Neuromuscular Blockade in Adults With ARDS | SCCM
  8. Treatment with allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells for moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (START study): a randomised phase 2a safety trial - PMC

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