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Research library

Clinical research overview

This library brings together peer-reviewed studies on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) across a wide range of medical indications. Each study contributes to a deeper understanding of how MSCs support repair, regeneration, and immune balance in the body.
Crohn's disease Aging frailty Osteoarthritis
Acute respiratory disease syndrome Graft versus host disease (GvHD) Multiple sclerosis Liver cirrhosis Diabetes type II Diabetes type I Chronic low back pain Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Alzheimer's disease Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) explores their immunomodulatory potential to reduce disease activity alongside standard care. Early-phase trials and controlled studies suggest signals of benefit for symptoms and function with generally acceptable safety, while efficacy varies by product source, dose, and patient biology. 

Intravenous administration of expanded allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in refractory rheumatoid arthritis (Cx611): results of a multicentre, dose escalation, randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ib/IIa clinical trial

Jose M Álvaro-Gracia, et al.
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the intravenous administration of Cx611, a preparation of allogeneic expanded adipose-derived stem cells (eASCs), in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to obtain preliminary clinical efficacy data in this population.
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Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: safety and efficacy

Liming Wang, et al.
This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this ongoing cohort, 172 patients with active RA who had inadequate responses to traditional medication were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups for different treatment: disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) plus medium without UC-MSCs, or DMARDs plus UC-MSCs group (4×10(7) cells per time) via intravenous injection. Adverse events and the clinical information were recorded. Tests for serological markers to assess safety and disease activity were conducted. Serum levels of inflammatory chemokines/cytokines were measured, and lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were analyzed. No serious adverse effects were observed during or after infusion. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 decreased after the first UC-MSCs treatment (P<0.05). The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells of peripheral blood was increased (P<0.05). The treatment induced a significant remission of disease according to the American College of Rheumatology improvement criteria, the 28-joint disease activity score, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. The therapeutic effects maintained for 3-6 months without continuous administration, correlating with the increased percentage of regulatory T cells of peripheral blood. Repeated infusion after this period can enhance the therapeutic efficacy. In comparison, there were no such benefits observed in control group of DMARDS plus medium without UC-MSCs. Thus, our data indicate that treatment with DMARDs plus UC-MSCs may provide safe, significant, and persistent clinical benefits for patients with active RA.
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Serum IFN-γ levels predict the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in active rheumatoid arthritis

Yi Yang, et al.
To explore the mechanism of the different clinical efficacies of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT) and identify a possible serum biomarker for predicting the therapeutic effect of MSCT in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
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Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Possibilities and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Yusuke Shimizu, et al.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent, chronic, and progressive autoimmune disorder primarily affecting joints and muscles. The associated inflammation, pain, and motor restriction negatively impact patient quality of life (QOL) and can even contribute to premature mortality. Further, conventional treatments such as antiinflammatory drugs are only symptomatic. Substantial progress has been made on elucidating the etiopathology of overt RA, in particular the contributions of innate and adaptive immune system dysfunction to chronic inflammation. Although the precise mechanisms underlying onset and progression remain elusive, the discovery of new drug targets, early diagnosis, and new targeted treatments have greatly improved the prognosis and QOL of patients with RA. However, a sizable proportion of patients develop severe adverse effects, exhibit poor responses, or cannot tolerate long-term use of these drugs, necessitating more effective and safer therapeutic alternatives. Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that the transplantation of multipotent adult stem cells such as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells is a safe and effective treatment strategy for controlling chronic inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration in patients with intractable diseases, including RA. This review describes the current status of MSC-based therapies for RA as well as the opportunities and challenges to broader clinical application.
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