Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell + disease-modifying antirheumatic drug

**Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) + disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)** is a combination therapy investigated primarily for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). UC-MSCs are multipotent stromal cells derived from neonatal umbilical cord tissue that possess immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. When administered intravenously, they can modulate immune responses by increasing regulatory T cells and reducing pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, thereby decreasing inflammation and autoimmunity in RA patients[1][2][4]. DMARDs—such as methotrexate, leflunomide, or hydroxychloroquine—are standard small molecule agents used to control synovial inflammation and slow joint damage in RA. The combination has shown improved efficacy over DMARD monotherapy in clinical studies by alleviating symptoms, reducing serological markers of disease activity (e.g., CRP, ESR), improving physical function scores (HAQ), and maintaining low RA activity over long-term follow-up[1][3][4]. The mechanism involves both the immunosuppressive effects of DMARDs and the immune tolerance-inducing/regenerative actions of UC-MSCs. This approach is under investigation for patients with refractory or resistant RA who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies.

Other names

umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell plus disease-modifying antirheumatic drugsUC-MSC plus DMARDsUC-MSC combined with DMARDs