Stem cells from umbilical cord tissue: Studies investigate effectiveness in corona pneumonia

After healing from Chinese woman, patient studies are running worldwide / Stem cells from umbilical cord tissue could prevent severe courses of COVID-19 / Researchers: Option that can be implemented quickly

US researchers, including those from the renowned Harvard Medical School, recently summarized the suitability of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia in a specialist article. Based on previous knowledge, the use of stem cells appears safe and effective. Stem cells are an option that can be implemented quickly, especially for severe COVID-19 courses.

In China, it had already been possible to cure severe COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient with the help of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue. Several medical teams around the world are now investigating the safety and effectiveness of the new treatment approach in various patient studies. Their hope: a way of treating serious illnesses could be developed from the stem cells of the umbilical cord, which a child no longer needs after birth.

Above all, it is the special properties that make the stem cells from the umbilical cord tissue appear so promising. In this way, the stem cells in the human body recognize foci of inflammation and migrate to them via the bloodstream. There they release various signaling molecules that trigger regeneration processes. In this way, the stem cells have an immune-regulating effect, which means they dampen violent immune reactions, such as those that also occur in severe cases of COVID-19.

The doctors now want to find out to what extent these positive properties are suitable for broad therapy use with the help of patient studies. For example, a Chinese patient study is taking a closer look at the harmlessness of stem cells in the treatment of COVID-19. The first results are expected in December 2020.

In France, doctors are examining not only the safety but also the effectiveness of the stem cells. For this purpose, seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are dependent on artificial ventilation are randomly assigned to two treatment groups. In addition to intensive care treatment, you will then receive either the stem cells from umbilical cord tissue as an infusion or a placebo solution. At the end of the study, the two groups will then be compared. The doctors assume that concrete statements on the effectiveness can be made in May of the coming year.

"The studies that have now started are very promising and a very important step towards further verifying the therapeutic application possibilities of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue after the initial successes," comments Dr. Wolfgang Knirsch, CEO of Vita 34. He explains: "The faster a broad data base on the effectiveness of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue in severe COVID-19 courses is available, the more targeted the medical potential can be used to treat patients."

The assumed effect of the stem cells is not limited to a specific virus, but is generally geared towards the course of the severe pneumonia. Regardless of COVID-19 infections, up to 20.000 people die of pneumonia in Germany every year.

Source: Press release from Vita 34 AG from October 05.05.2020th, XNUMX