Treating asthma with stem cells

Regenerative medicine company Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) has received positive data from a proof-of-concept study of its Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental model of asthma.

Cynata has been investigating the use of its Cymerus technology as a potential alternative treatment for asthma sufferers. The technology provides a source of MSCs that is independent of donor limitations and provides an ‘off the shelf’ stem cell platform for therapeutic product use.

In the study, conducted at Monash University, the chronic allergic airways disease model was induced by sensitising and challenging mice with a protein called ovalbumin. This caused them to exhibit significantly increased airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), which is the key characteristic of asthma.

Intravenous administration of Cynata’s MSCs in these animals caused a statistically significant (60–70%) decrease in AHR relative to untreated sensitised animals. Moreover, intranasal administration of the MSCs completely normalised AHR to a level that was no longer different to healthy animals. No adverse safety findings were observed during the study.

“This study has clearly demonstrated that Cynata’s MSCs have a dramatic effect on AHR in our model, particularly when directly administered into the allergic lung,” said Monash University’s Associate Professor Chrishan Samuel, who supervised the study. “We look forward to continuing our analysis of the effects of these unique cells on markers of inflammation and airway remodelling, and we are optimistic of building on the very positive data we have generated so far.”

Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) shares were trading 12.73% higher at $0.62 as of around 11.30 am on Monday.