The annual TOBI conference took place last week on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th. This conference, put on by The Orthobiologics Institute, brings together physicians and experts from around the
PSC Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Rogers
globe to collaborate and advance the field of biologics research and orthopedic applications such as stem cell therapy. Medical Director for Personalized Stem Cells (PSC), Dr. Christopher Rogers, was a speaker at the virtual event to discuss mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of COVID-19.
Dr. Rogers, along with PSC CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, were first and second authors on a recent literature review entitled Rationale for the Clinical Use of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for COVID-19 Patients. The peer-reviewed article was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine and discusses the severe symptoms that can occur as a result of infection with COVID-19 and how treatment with stem cells may help. Recently, stem cell therapy was shown in some clinical studies to reduce patient mortality and improve long-term lung function.
Cellular based therapies hold great promise for the treatment of COVID-19. While numerous human and animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for other conditions, further clinical trials are necessary to specifically look at the treatment of COVID-19. PSC is awaiting FDA approval to begin a clinical trial to study the effects of stem cells in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The initial clinical trial will be limited to a small number of patients in the San Diego area. PSC is not soliciting patients for the upcoming clinical trial however more information can be found here.
For information regarding future clinical trials, please contact us.