Progenitor cells to regenerate lung epithelium in COPD

Adult pulmonary progenitor stem cells have been shown to regenerate lung epithelium in preclinical models. This clinical trial of P63+ progenitor cell transplantation was carried out on 68 patients with stage II to IV COPD. After isolation and culture for 3-5 weeks, P63+ progenitor cells were transplanted by bronchoscopy. No serious or grade 3-5 adverse events were reported. 24 weeks after transplantation, patients who received P63+ progenitor cells showed an improvement in their respiratory capacity and walking perimeter. Higher P63 expression was associated with better treatment efficacy.