Highlights
- •Human mesenchymal stem cells have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- •Preclinical models of CF show mesenchymal stem cells attenuate pulmonary inflammation.
- •Mesenchymal stem cells were safe and well-tolerated in this phase 1 clinical trial.
Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells are of particular interest in cystic fibrosis (CF) as a potential
therapeutic. Data from pre-clinical studies suggest that allogeneic bone marrow-derived
human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may provide a new therapeutic treatment for CF
lung disease by attenuating pulmonary inflammation while decreasing bacterial growth
and enhancing antibiotic efficacy.
Methods
Fifteen adults with CF were enrolled in a phase 1 dose-escalation trial of a single
intravenous infusion of hMSCs derived from bone marrow aspirates obtained from a single
pre-clinically validated healthy volunteer donor. The study employed a 3+3 dose escalation
design with subjects receiving a single, intravenous dose of either 1×106, 3×106, or 5×106 hMSCs/kg. Subjects were monitored inpatient for 24 hours and by outpatient visits
and telephone calls for 12 months after the infusion. Safety and tolerability were
evaluated by monitoring symptoms, patient reported outcome questionnaires, adverse
events (AEs), physical exam findings, spirometry, and analyses of safety laboratories.
Preliminary evidence for potential efficacy using inflammatory markers in the blood
and sputum were also evaluated.
Results
No dose-limiting toxicities, deaths or life-threatening adverse events were observed.
Most AEs and serious adverse events (SAEs) were consistent with underlying CF. Vital
signs, physical exam findings, spirometry and safety laboratory results showed no
significant change from baseline. No trends over time were seen in serum or sputum
inflammatory markers nor with clinical spirometry.
Conclusion
Allogeneic hMSC intravenous infusions were safe and well-tolerated in this phase 1
study and warrant additional clinical testing as a potential therapeutic for CF lung
disease.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 20, 2022
Accepted:
December 3,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 25,
2022
Received:
August 1,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.