RESUMEN

Introduction: Mesenchymal stromal (stem) cell (MSC) therapies are emerging as a promising therapeutic intervention in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis due to their reparative, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their mechanisms of effect in ARDS and sepsis. The preclinical and clinical evidence to support MSC therapy in ARDS and sepsis is discussed. The potential for MSC therapy in COVID-19 ARDS is discussed with insights from respiratory viral models and early clinical reports of MSC therapy in COVID-19. Strategies to optimize the therapeutic potential of MSCs in ARDS and sepsis are considered including preconditioning, altered gene expression, and alternative cell-free MSC-derived products, such as extracellular vesicles and conditioned medium.Expert opinion: MSC products present considerable therapeutic promise for ARDS and sepsis. Preclinical investigations report significant benefits and early phase clinical studies have not highlighted safety concerns. Optimization of MSC function in preclinical models of ARDS and sepsis has enhanced their beneficial effects. MSC-derived products, as cell-free alternatives, may provide further advantages in this field. These strategies present opportunity for the clinical development of MSCs and MSC-derived products with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: The umbrella term ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) comprises cell therapies, gene therapeutics and tissue engineered products. After implementation of the Regulation 1394/2007, only a couple of products have obtained a centralized European marketing authorisation. Objectives: The aim of the presented study is to give an overview on ATMPs available within the European Union either via centralized marketing authorisation or via national Hospital exemption. Additionally, a forecast on innovative ATMPs in the process of EMA approval as well as in phase III and IV clinical trial is provided. Methods: Systematic literature search including 'grey literature' and database reviews as well as manual search following pre-defined search terms. Results: 8 ATMPs are currently available via centralized marketing authorisation. 6 new product launches are expected before 2020. At least 32 additional ATMPs are available in individual European Union member states via Hospital exemption. Another 31 potential ATMP candidates could be identified in industry-driven phase III research projects. Conclusion: Advanced therapeutic medicinal therapies are still in their early days, but constantly evolving. By 2020, innovative therapies targeting retinal dystrophy, ß-thalassemia, scleroderma, sickle-cell anaemia, adrenoleukodystrophy and leukaemia shall be available on the market.

RESUMEN

Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-based therapies are of increasing interest in the field of regenerative medicine. As economic considerations have shown, allogeneic therapy seems to be the most cost-effective method. Standardized procedures based on instrumented single-use bioreactors have been shown to provide billion of cells with consistent product quality and to be superior to traditional expansions in planar cultivation systems. Furthermore, under consideration of the complex nature and requirements of allogeneic hMSC-therapeutics, a new equipment for downstream processing (DSP) was successfully evaluated. This mini-review summarizes both the current state of the hMSC production process and the challenges which have to be taken into account when efficiently producing hMSCs for the clinical scale. Special emphasis is placed on the upstream processing (USP) and DSP operations which cover expansion, harvesting, detachment, separation, washing and concentration steps, and the regulatory demands.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Developers of gene therapy products (GTPs) must adhere to additional regulation beyond that of traditional small-molecule therapeutics, due to the unique mechanism-of-action of GTPs and the subsequent novel risks arisen. We have provided herein a summary of the regulatory structure under which GTPs fall in the United States, the European Union, and Japan, and a comprehensive overview of the regulatory guidance applicable to the developer of GTP. Understanding the regulatory requirements for seeking GTP market approval in these major jurisdictions is crucial for an effective and expedient path to market. The novel challenges facing GTP developers is highlighted by a case study of alipogene tiparvovec (Glybera).

Asunto(s)