Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells a Promising Treatment for COVID-19?

April 9, 2020

(The Scientist) – A recent pilot study in China in which seven COVID-19 patients received intravenous infusions of donor mesenchymal stem cells—multipotent cells thought to have immunomodulatory capacities—indicates that the intervention was safe, and that the approach may improve patient outcomes. While all seven patients recovered, scientists are mixed in their opinions on the logic behind the approach and how well it truly performed. On Sunday (April 5) the US Food and Drug Administraton approved mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatments for use in the very sickest COVID-19 patients under what’s known as expanded access compassionate use.