July 21, 2020 -- FibroGenesis has released new preclinical data regarding its PneumoBlast cell therapy product for reducing lung injury associated with COVID-19 in preparation for an investigational new drug submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
PneumoBlast is comprised of proprietary "universal donor" fibroblasts for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a contributing symptom of severe COVID-19. The company has demonstrated that the product reduces lung fibrosis by as much as 51% in a bleomycin model of lung scarring.
In comparison to bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of COVID-19, PneumoBlast was 221% more effective. The product produces a potent anti-inflammatory protein interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, which helps prevent scar tissue, according to the company. Scar tissue formation, or fibrosis, is a common post-COVID-19 symptom and has been reported in COVID-19 patients in their 20s and 30s.