Cynata’s Cymerus MSCs Ameliorate Cytokine Release Syndrome in Preclinical Study

Australian stem cell and regenerative medicine company Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) is pleased to announce data from a preclinical model demonstrating that its proprietary Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly ameliorate the effects of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially severe and life-threatening adverse reaction to cancer immunotherapy.

As quoted in the press release:

The study, led by Associate Professor Lisa Minter, Ph.D., at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, evaluated Cymerus MSCs in a humanised murine model of CRS. The murine model was created by engrafting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in NOD-SCID-gamma mice, and then administering OKT3 (anti-human CD3) antibody by intra-peritoneal (IP) injection. This resulted in consistent and significant decreases in body temperature, as well as increased clinical scores (indicating deterioration) and increased T cell expression of the immune response activation marker, CD69.

Mice were randomly assigned to a control group (no treatment) or one of eight treated groups. Animals in the treatment groups received a single dose of Cymerus MSCs by intravenous (IV) or IP injection at various timepoints, ranging from 5 hours before to 30 minutes after OKT3 administration. Body temperature, clinical scores and biomarkers were analysed at pre-determined timepoints following CRS induction.

Click here to read the full press release.