Amniotic derived cell based therapy for restoration of damaged discarded organs for clinical transplantation

Important results from the project

The project aimed to evaluate whether amnion-derived stem cells administered during ex vivo lung perfusion could enable transplantation of otherwise discarded donor lungs. The objectives were achieved through successful treatment in both a clinically relevant preclinical model and in human donor lungs. The therapy improved not only lung function but also recipient circulation and renal function—an unexpected and important finding.

Expected long term effects

The project is expected to enable treatment of injured donor lungs with amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells, allowing their use for transplantation. The therapy also improves recipient lung function, circulation, and renal function. The next step is a Phase 1 clinical trial in lung transplant recipients, representing a major step toward clinical implementation and direct patient benefit.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out as planned and developed as intended. The timeline was largely maintained, despite changes in the original industry partner due to acquisition. Access to discarded human donor lungs is inherently unpredictable and often occurs at night or on weekends, but all planned activities were completed. Collaboration between all partners worked very well.