Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Infusion for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure From COVID-19: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Dosing Clinical Trial.

Publication Title

Chest

Authors

Amy L Lightner
Vikram Sengupta
Sascha Qian
John T Ransom
Sam Suzuki
David J Park, St. Jude Heritage Healthcare, Virginia K. Crosson Cancer Center, 2151 N. Harbor Boulevard, Suite 2200, Fullerton, CA 92835, USA.Follow
Timothy I Melson
Brian P Williams, Covenant Health, Lubbock, TX.Follow
James J Walsh
Mustafa Awili

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-23-2023

Keywords

california; pjsmc; covenant; texas; covid-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles, ExoFlo, convey the immunomodulatory and regenerative properties of intact BM-MSCs. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of ExoFlo as treatment for moderate to severe ARDS in patients with severe COVID-19.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do two doses of ExoFlo safely reduce mortality in COVID-19-associated moderate to severe ARDS compared with placebo?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective phase II, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled dosing trial was conducted at five sites across the United States with infusions of placebo, 10 mL of ExoFlo, or 15 mL of ExoFlo on days 1 and 4. Patients (N = 102) with COVID-19-associated moderate to severe ARDS were enrolled and randomized to treatment. Adverse events were documented throughout the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause 60-day mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included time to death (overall mortality); the incidence of treatment-emergent serious adverse events; proportion of discharged patients at 7, 30, and 60 days; time to hospital discharge; and ventilation-free days.

RESULTS: No treatment-related adverse events were reported. Mortality (60-day) in the intention-to-treat population was reduced with 15 mL ExoFlo mixed with 85 mL normal saline (ExoFlo-15) compared with placebo (not significant, χ

INTERPRETATION: The 15 mL dose of ExoFlo is safe in patients with severe or critical COVID-19-associated respiratory failure. In participants aged 18 to 65 years, the risk reduction in 60-day mortality was further improved from subjects of all ages in the intention-to-treat population after two doses of 15 mL of ExoFlo compared with placebo.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04493242; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov.

Specialty/Research Institute

Infectious Diseases