autologous mesenchymal stem cells (Tianjin Medical University General Hospital)

This is an investigational autologous cell therapy consisting of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) being developed by Tianjin Medical University General Hospital for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The therapy involves harvesting bone marrow from patients, isolating and culturing mesenchymal stem cells, and then reinfusing them back into the same patient. A pilot 2-year observational study and a subsequent Phase 2a proof-of-concept study evaluated the safety and efficacy of autologous MSC infusion in NMOSD patients, showing that the treatment was safe and could reduce relapse frequency and mitigate neurological disability with recovery of neural structures in the optic nerve and spinal cord. The mesenchymal stem cells are believed to work through multiple mechanisms including regenerative, immune regulatory, and neurotrophic effects, making it a potential treatment for progressive and refractory NMOSD cases that have not responded adequately to standard immunosuppressive therapies.

Other names

autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cellsautologous BM-MSCs