FibroGenesis, the leading developer of fibroblast-based therapeutic solutions for unmet medical needs, has signed a clinical collaboration agreement with Brazilian company R4D Biotech. FibroGenesis has the world's largest patent portfolio in the field of cell therapies with fibroblasts and is expanding its ongoing clinical programs on an international level. The partnership paves the way for clinical trials of PneumoBlast in Brazil as a unique treatment for acute lung failure in COVID-19 patients, in parallel with clinical trials in the US after approval by the FDA.

The administration of PneumoBlast in preclinical and animal studies led to a significant improvement in the immunological signalling molecules, thereby reducing the concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-17, interleukin-18 and the tumour necrosis factor-alpha TNFa were reduced. Company scientists have also shown that PneumoBlast induced a statistically significant decrease in pulmonary fibrosis and lung scars in animals infected with COVID-19, especially when compared to more conventional bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) treatments. In addition, recent data confirm the potential benefits of PneumoBlast in preventing blood clotting in COVID-19.

"The scientific and medical community is constantly learning about the biological and medical consequences of COVID-19 infection, and FibroGenesis is committed to contributing to the therapeutic opportunities currently being developed around the world to combat the virus," said Pete O ' Heeron , Chief Executive Officer of FibroGenesis : " Working with R4D Biotech is another strategic milestone that underscores our commitment to expanding fibroblast research worldwide."

"The laboratory results, which indicate that our cell therapy approach promotes therapeutic effects on animal models in the acute stage of COVID-19 and also a cure for the residual pathology observed in COVID-19 patients, impressed our research team," said Thomas Ichim, PhD., Chief Scientific Officer of FibroGenesis .

"Technology transfer is at the heart of this partnership," said Paulo Ferraz, head of BRICS and New Markets for the international fund Newstar Ventures and advisor to FibroGenesis on this transaction. "R4D Biotech has access to advanced resources, research facilities and hospitals and its pool of talented staff include scientific advisors who are recognized academics and distinguished members of the Brazilian Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The PneumoBlast ™ clinical trial will mark the first step in a long-term partnership designed to help deliver advanced therapeutic Finding solutions to unsolved health problems.