Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Clinical Trial for Pneumonia

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting Dogs diagnosed with Pneumonia requiring oxygen therapy for treatment.

Enrollment Criteria: Currently Enrolling

• Inclusion Criteria: Dogs diagnosed with pneumonia and requiring oxygen therapy

• Exclusion Criteria: Dogs must not have concurrent disease contributing to respiratory distress (i.e., congestive heart failure, lung masses, lung lobe torsion, laryngeal paralysis, pleural effusion, or any other)

• Treatment: In this study, two groups will be evaluated for pneumonia treatment. The treatment group will receive standard pneumonia treatment along with a sole intravenous administration of canine-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Meanwhile, the control group will undergo standard pneumonia treatment without MSC therapy. Regular monitoring and assessment will guide adjustments to the treatment plan based on individual responses and emerging evidence.

• Cost: Owner will be required to the standard pneumonia treatments, the study will cover the costs to pay for MSC therapy for treatment group and dogs receiving MSC, for second set of chest x-rays and select bloodwork profiles (inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, arterial blood gas, and coagulation profile) for both treatment and control groups (ALL dogs in the study). Owner’s will be responsible for all the standard pneumonia treatments

• Contact: Please complete the Study Interest Form for more information.

• PI: Corey Fisher, DVM, ECC Resident, Ronald Goncalves, DVM, MSc, Ph.D., DACVECC, UF Faculty, Helena Zomer, DVM, MSc, Ph.D., UF Faculty

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the diverse therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, focusing on its role in accelerating tissue healing through regenerative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This exploration aims to further understand the well-established benefits of MSC therapy in chronic joint disease while exploring novel uses, such as its potential for enhancing recovery in lung injury, including pneumonia, based on experimental findings in animal models. Additionally, the purpose includes examining the emerging evidence of MSC therapy’s efficacy in improving outcomes for human patients with COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of expanding treatment options and improving patient care across a spectrum of medical conditions.