The Biological Division of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to LifeCell, the market leader in stem cell banking for a clinical trial on mesocel therapy, where Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord tissue wiil be used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

Mayur Abhaya, Managing Director of LifeCell stated, “This new cell therapy utilising the potent anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and tissue regenerative properties of MSCs will further strengthen our fight against COVID-19 and help save lives, which is our primary objective."

He further added,"interestingly, similar therapies have already progressed to phase III clinical trials in other countries not just for the treatment of COVID-19 but other associated complications, thus offering great hope for Indian patients suffering from severe COVID-19."

Patients will be treated with mesocel in two phases of clinical studies, which will examine its safety and efficacy.

LifeCell, using MSCs obtained from the umbilical cord tissue to treat COVID-19 has become the first stem cell bank to receive DCGI’s approval, the company said.