Studies on the treatment of the most severe complications in people infected with the corona virus started in China

Connective tissue stem cells from umbilical cord tissue could prevent severe courses of COVID-19 / 65-year-old Chinese woman successfully treated / Further investigations necessary

Infection with the novel corona virus is a great danger, especially for older people or people with previous illnesses. This is because the disease COVID-19 it causes causes more serious pneumonia in this risk group, which can also lead to death.

Hope comes from the country where the novel corona virus first appeared - China. Doctors there were able to successfully treat a critically ill 65-year-old COVID-19 patient using a particularly innovative treatment method. She suffered from life-threatening pneumonia caused by the novel corona virus. None of the usual treatment options had been able to help the woman. The doctors decided to use connective tissue stem cells from umbilical cord tissue in a healing attempt. With success – the woman recovered.

"The verified report by the Chinese colleagues is another clinical indication of the therapeutic potential of stem cells," comments Dr. Wolfgang Knirsch, CEO of Vita 34. He explains: “We know from publications that connective tissue stem cells from the umbilical cord recognize foci of inflammation in the human body and migrate to them via the bloodstream. There they release very specific signaling molecules, which then initiate various regeneration processes. In this way, the stem cells have an immune-regulating effect, among other things, which means that they weaken severe ones immune reactions, as they occur, for example, in severe cases of COVID-19. The Chinese researchers used this effect for their treatment attempt.”

However, it is too early for euphoria, says the stem cell expert. So far there is only one confirmed cure. dr Knirsch: “A use of connective tissue stem cells from umbilical cord tissue to treat COVID-19 patients is not conceivable based on the data available to date. This requires further investigations.” A first completed study already shows that the therapeutic application of the cells is uncomplicated for humans. Further studies have been running since February of this year. In addition to safety, they are also investigating the effectiveness of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

"The required proof of effectiveness will take some time, but would once again demonstrate the medical potential of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue," says Dr. crunch.

Source: Press release Vita 34 AG from March 18, 2020