Re: ‘‘Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Treatment for Severe COVID-19’’ by Sengupta et al.

STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT, 2020 · DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0089 · Published: May 20, 2020

COVID-19 Genetics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This letter raises concerns about a study on the use of exosomes to treat COVID-19, highlighting a lack of transparency regarding the investigational product used. The authors of the letter are requesting more information about the "ExoFlo" product, including its composition, biological activity, and manufacturing process. The authors emphasize the importance of transparent disclosures in validating new therapies and avoiding unrealistic expectations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 patients suffering from COVID-19 with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The letter identifies a lack of information regarding the characterization, biological properties, and therapeutic actions of the ExoFlo product used in the original study.
2
The authors question whether the FDA-registered facilities are specifically registered for exosome drug product manufacture.
3
The letter highlights inconsistencies in EV reporting compliance with field consensus standards.

Research Summary

This letter to the editor critically assesses a published study on the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ExoFlo) for treating severe COVID-19. The authors express concerns regarding insufficient details about the ExoFlo product, including its characterization, biological properties, and manufacturing process, hindering proper evaluation and potential replication of the study. The letter urges the original study authors to provide further clarification on various aspects of ExoFlo and its application to ensure transparency and facilitate validation of the therapy.

Practical Implications

Need for transparent reporting

Stresses the importance of transparent and rigorous reporting in clinical investigations, particularly during pandemics.

Stringent product characterization

Highlights the necessity of thorough characterization and validation of investigational products, such as exosomes, used in clinical trials.

Adherence to consensus standards

Emphasizes the need for compliance with established standards and guidelines, like MISEV2018, in extracellular vesicle research and reporting.

Re: ‘‘Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Treatment for Severe COVID-19’’ by Sengupta et al.

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Need for transparent reporting

Stringent product characterization

Adherence to consensus standards

Study Limitations

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Re: ‘‘Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Treatment for Severe COVID-19’’ by Sengupta et al.

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Need for transparent reporting

Stringent product characterization

Adherence to consensus standards

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?