Research on COVID19 and Stem Cells | AlphaCord

Research on COVID19 and Stem Cells | AlphaCord - AlphaCord

Covid+Stem Cells

As this pandemic drags on, scientists are scrambling to find an effective treatment for COVID-19. With more than 500 clinical trials currently underway across the world, researchers are pouring all their efforts and expertise into the hope of finding a cure. One of the most promising therapies that has developed in recent months is that ofmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Early trial results have shown that these stem cells, derived from the umbilical cords of newborns, may have the ability to defeat the virus. They have also been shown to calm the overreaction of the immune system and repair the damage to lung tissue caused by COVID-19. Some researchers are even saying that this treatment could be as revolutionary as Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine. This inflammation is caused by small proteins called cytokines. These cytokines are supposed to create a controlled response to the disease attacking the body, but sometimes they lose control. This is known as a “cytokine storm”.

Did someone say Inflammation?

During this storm, the immune cells spread outside of infected body parts and start to attack healthy tissue. The cytokine storm can be so severe that it punches holes in the lung membranes, causing more severe complications.
  • Heart Attacks
  • Blood Clotting
  • Multiple Organ Failure
  • Stroke
  • and other problems
It has become essential in the battle against COVID-19 to find a treatment that not only fights off the infection but also controls the immune response and repairs damaged tissue. Data from a small, randomized controlled trial conducted by University of Miami researchers suggests that infusions of MSCs reduce the risk of death and accelerate recovery for severe COVID-19 patients. The study took 24 COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and gave them two infusions of 100 million MSCs within 3 days, while the control group received placebo infusions.

The Benefits of Storing Stem Cells

The findings, published January 5 in Stem Cell Translational Medicine, showed no evidence of adverse effects, increased survival, and decreased cytokine levels in the 12 patients receiving the cell therapy, compared with 12 patients in the placebo group. Another trial in New York used MSCs to treat 12 critically ill COVID-19 patients who were on ventilators. The patients received two infusions of MSCs, which controlled their immune responses. 83% of these patients survived. Following these results, the FDA approved a larger clinical trial on 300 patients.

A second study, reported in the Lancet, treated 13 severely ill COVID-19 patients with MSCs. The results of the trial mirrored the New York study with an 85% survival rate. The MSC treatment even repaired damaged lung tissue in those patients, within 48 hours of treatment.

  • None of the patients suffered adverse effects, and 3 of these patients were discharged from the hospital just 10 days after treatment with MSCs. Since the trial began, the clinical trial has continued to treat over 30 COVID-19 patients, all of whom have shown significant improvements in their condition following MSC therapy.

Of all the stem cell therapies for COVID‐19 treatment MSCs have been the most promising in preclinical studies and clinical trials so far.

MSC infusions have been found to migrate directly to the lungs, where they can repair damage and improve lung function. This is a huge benefit for treating severe disease in COVID‐19. Possibly the richest source of MSCs is umbilical cord tissue. Wharton’s Jelly is a substance found within the umbilical cord and is an abundant source of valuable MSC stem cells. There are currently hundreds of clinical trials testing the efficacy of cord tissue derived MSCs in the treatment of many diseases and conditions. These include treatments for spinal cord injuries, cartilage repair, autoimmune disease, liver disease, orthopedic indications, and neurological conditions. One day, your child or other family member could greatly benefit from these potentially life-saving treatments. Consider banking your child’s stem cells with AlphaCord.

Newborn Stem Cell Banking for Every Family

As parents, we can’t protect our children from everything, but by preserving your newborn’s stem cells you are able to enhance your baby’s life. There are over 80+ FDA approved diseases that can be treated with cord blood stem cells. Learn more about the benefits of Newborn Stem Cells by downloading the Info Guide Here.