Evaluating therapeutic potential of integrin 10-selected MSCs in treatment of COVID-19 (ARDS)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Xintela AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - March 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovations to mitigate the crisis |
| Call | Finding new ways in the time of a crisis |
Important results from the project
The project has successfully demonstrated the potential of integrin alpha10beta1-selected human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) to treat ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) a deadly lung complication that can affect severely ill COVID-19 patients. The safety and efficacy of the MSCs were demonstrated in a validated preclinical porcine ARDS model that is similar to human ARDS. The project is a collaboration between Xintela AB and Skåne University Hospital in Lund.
Expected long term effects
Various clinical measurements showed that the stem cells stabilised the circulation in the ARDS animals and also improved the lung function in several of the animals. The MSC treated animals also showed less structural damage in lung tissues compared to control animals as well as signs of immunodulation and anti-inflammatory response.
Approach and implementation
Integrin alpha10beta1-selected stem cells were produced according to Xintela’s process in the Company’s GMP-prepared facility. The safety and efficacy of the stem cells were evaluated in a validated ARDS model on pigs by measuring different clinical parameters during the study and also by analysing the lung tissue structure and levels of different cells and cytokines in blood samples.