A team at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC) has developed an aerosol medication that has been tested on 73 COVID-19 patients, all of whom have since recovered, including the 25% of who were in intensive care. None of the patients reported immediate adverse effects.
The treatment involves extracting stem cells from the patient’s blood, to be reintroduced, after being activating, as a nebulised mist. Inhaled by the patient, the treatment uses the patient's own stem cells to repair damaged lungs.
Researchers believe it works on two levels: the regeneration of lung cells, and the modulation of the immune response, mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19. The treatment has been proven safe by the initial phase of its clinical trial, with more trials projected to yield results in the coming weeks.
It’s important to discern that the treatment is not a cure, nor is the team behind it claiming it as such. It will not serve to eradicate the virus itself, but will be a massive contribution to patients dealing with the symptoms of COVID-19, particularly the vulnerable and immunocompromised.
The treatment was granted a patent by the UAE Ministry of Economy, and has received the praise of UAE leadership. HH President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on Friday congratulated the citizens and residents of the UAE on the breakthrough, thanking the team of doctors, researchers and support staff at ADSCC for their efforts, which the statement said will add to the global efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure health and safety of the people of the world.
Image courtesy of Emirates News Agency.
