Nebulization Therapy for COVID-19 Pneumonia with Embryonic Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes

Abstract Background: Scientist have been facing numerous challenges in the development of an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. Several studies have suggested that improving patient immunity and reducing lung injury induced by COVID -19 could be effective in treating the patients with COVID-19. Methods: A pilot trial of nebulization therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia with exosomes of MSCs was performed on seven patients with COVID-19 infected pneumonia. Exosomes were collected and purified from secretion of MSCs using multiple ultrafiltration. All patients was treated with nebulization of MSC-derived exosomes. The primary safety and efficacy outcome were observed.Results: Our clinical study demonstrated that nebulization mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs)-derived exosomes is a novel method that could be utilized in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. Nebulization of MSC-derived exosomes did not induce acute allergic and secondary allergic reactions. It could promote the absorption of pulmonary lesions, and reduce the time of hospitalization for minor cases of COVID-19 pneumonia.Conclusions: Nebulization of MSC-derived exosomes is a safe, effective, and simple method. Nebulization of MSC-derived exosomes from the beginning of the treatment could be more beneficial to the patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000030261. Registered on 26 February 2020.