Experimental Inhaled Therapy Cuts COVID Death Rate to Zero in Small Trial
A 4.6-year follow-up study found zero deaths among 35 COVID-19 patients treated with inhaled extracellular vesicles (EXO-CD24), compared to 13% mortality in matched controls. If validated in larger trials, the finding could reshape severe infection treatment and open a new market for cell-derived therapies in respiratory disease.
Originaltitel: Reduced Mortality in COVID‐19 Patients Treated With Inhaled Extracellular Vesicles Expressing CD24
ABSTRACT Background : Severe COVID‐19, and other systemic infections, can trigger hyperinflammation leading to lung injury. EXO‐CD24, an inhaled extracellular vesicle therapy with anti‐inflammatory properties, has shown acute clinical benefit, but long‐term effects on survival remain unknown. Methods : We compared the mortality in 35 patients with moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 treated with inhaled EXO‐CD24 on five consecutive days in 2020, versus 105 matched controls receiving standard care (1:3 ratio). This ‘real life’ study was a retrospective follow‐up extended to 4.6 years after infection, evaluating all‐cause mortality as well as health‐related quality of life in survivors (HRQoL). Results : No deaths occurred in the EXO‐CD24 group (0/35) versus 14 deaths (13.3%) among the matched controls ( p < 0.05). The survival difference was most marked in the first month but persisted over time. At the end of the follow‐up, theEXO‐CD24 patients reported significantly better HRQoL, including well‐being, physical function, and mobility. Conclusions : Repeated inhalations with EXO‐CD24 is associated with improved survival and HRQoL up to 4.6 years post‐treatment. These findings suggest durable benefits and support further evaluation of EXO‐CD24 as an immunomodulatory therapy in severe inflammatory conditions. Trial Registration : ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04657497