Dr. Bernard Thébaud was awarded $2.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Clinical Trials Fund for a Phase 2 clinical trial using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies.
Very premature babies need extra oxygen and mechanical intervention to breathe. Unfortunately, this damages their lungs, causing BPD. Around 1,000 premature babies in Canada develop BPD every year, and there is no cure.
Babies with BPD often develop other chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, and may require prolonged oxygen and ventilation. This can lead to problems in other organs as well, such as the brain or eyes.
Dr. Thébaud’s team previously conducted a world-first trial of MSC therapy in nine preterm babies, funded by the Stem Cell Network. This Phase 1 trial showed the therapy was safe. The results are expected to be published in the coming year.