Mesoblast’s stem cells boost survival to 83% in COVID-19 patients with ARDS; Arch also taking aim at respiratory distress

Two weeks after Mesoblast announced a randomized controlled trial of its stem cell therapy to treat COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, it has revealed compassionate use data backing the study. Also targeting ARDS is Arch Biopartners, which has announced its own Phase II trial to prevent the complication.

Mesoblast Ltd. (ASX:MSB; NASDAQ:MESO) reported an 83% survival rate to date in 12 ventilation-dependent COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe ARDS who have received two remestemcel-L infusions. Nine patients (75%) no longer require ventilation. ...