Stem cell infusion may help severely ill COVID-19 patients breathe

NCT ID NCT04367077

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Healios K.K. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether an experimental stem cell therapy called MultiStem can help people with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by infections like COVID-19. ARDS is a serious lung condition that often requires a breathing tube and ventilator. The study will compare MultiStem against a placebo to see if it increases the number of days patients are free from a ventilator and improves survival.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: MultiStem (a stem cell therapy given as an intravenous infusion)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new treatment to reduce time on ventilators and improve survival for people with severe lung injury from infections like COVID-19.
What could go wrong: This is an early-to-mid-stage trial, so the therapy may not prove effective or safe. Possible risks include infusion reactions or other side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory distress syndrome COVID-19 Dyspnea

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ARDS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Athersys Investigational Site 101

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
Athersys Investigational Site 102

Cleveland, Ohio, 44109, United States
Athersys Investigational Site 103

Akron, Ohio, 44304, United States
Athersys Investigational Site 107

Chicago, Illinois, 60601, United States

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