Avalon GloboCare launches its new MSC platform as a potential therapy for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Avalon GloboCare Corp (NASDAQ:AVCO) announced Thursday the launch of its new allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic platform as a potential therapy for the coronavirus (COVID-19) which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

In addition to being a potential therapy for COVID-19, the company said the platform will also be developed to treat bone marrow transplant-related complications of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD).

The company said it is currently progressing its planned pre-clinical testing for its MSC platform for COVID-19 and aGVHD, with plans to initiate a first-in-human clinical study during the first half of 2021, assuming clearance from the US and/or non-US regulatory agencies.

READ: Avalon GloboCare wins distribution rights to market Cellex’s COVID-19 antibody-based rapid test kit

“Taking advantage of our expertise in cellular therapy development, we are encouraged by the rapid progress we have made in moving our MSC technology platform towards the clinic for these two important indications,” Avalon CEO Dr David Jin said in a statement. “We look forward to providing updates on our advancements.”

New Jersey-based Avalon noted that MSCs are typically isolated from the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, fat tissue, and other tissue types. MSCs possess unique qualities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. 

MSCs have multiple functions within the immune system, affecting many different immune cell types and have the ability to suppress T-cell proliferation, cytokine secretion and regulate the balance of antibody-based and cell-based immune responses. 

They also are capable of inhibiting the activation of dendritic cells and blocking the ability of dendritic cells to present antigens to other cells in the immune system. MSCs can also tone down the abnormal release of either antibodies from B-cells or cytokines from natural killer cells.

Leveraging Avalon’s expertise in cellular therapy

Avalon said its MSC platform represents the culmination of extensive research and development that leverages the company’s scientific and clinical expertise in cellular therapy and stem cell-derived exosome (ACTEXTM) applications. 

The company said it believes that its MSC platform could offer a unique and efficacious approach to treat the potentially fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-system inflammatory syndrome and cytokine storm-related to severe cases of COVID-19. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrant and excessive immune responses evoked by a SARS-CoV-2 virus infection are involved in lung damage and multi-organ injury seen in some patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. 

Also involving an excessive immune assault on multiple organs and tissues, including the gut, liver and skin, Avalon said that aGVHD is a medical complication that is potentially life-threatening and commonly seen in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. There are currently no effective therapies for the prevention and treatment of aGVHD.

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Story by ProactiveInvestors