<em>In vitro</em> Cell-Based Assays for Potency Testing of Anti-TNF-α Biological Drugs

Human cell-based assays for in vitro testing of drugs in preclinical and research studies, as well as in clinical practice, are gaining greater importance especially in view of personalized medicine, which is tailored to the individual needs and benefits of a patient. This chapter begins with an overview of contemporary cell-based assays, routinely used for a comparative in vitro potency testing of anti-TNF-α innovator biologics and their biosimilars. In sequel, based on the results of our original work, we will further discuss the establishment and use of 2D normal and osteoarthritic primary chondrocyte monolayer cultures and 3D microspheroidal articular cartilage tissues, prepared in hanging drops from osteoarthritic chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells. Both 2D and 3D cultures will be presented as models for assessing the neutralizing potency of the three well-known anti-TNF-α biological drugs: adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab

Compassionate mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a severe COVID-19 patient: a case report

COVID-19 presentations range from cold-like symptoms to severe symptoms with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We report on a severe COVID-19 patient who was mechanically ventilated and who developed ARDS and bacterial infection. Because of rapid clinical deterioration and the exhaustion of other treatment options, the family and attending physicians requested a compassionate use of adult allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in addition to commonly used immunosuppressive, antiviral, and supportive therapy. The clinical course is discussed thoroughly, with a special emphasis on the safety and effect of MSC therapy. Compassionate MSC treatment, given in three rounds, affected ARDS regression. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit after 31 days and from hospital after 49 days in a good general condition. MSC treatment was not associated with any side effects and was well tolerated in a three-week period; therefore, it should be studied in larger trials and considered for compassionate us

Compassionate mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a severe COVID-19 patient: a case report

COVID-19 presentations range from cold-like symptoms to severe symptoms with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We report on a severe COVID-19 patient who was mechanically ventilated and who developed ARDS and bacterial infection. Because of rapid clinical deterioration and the exhaustion of other treatment options, the family and attending physicians requested a compassionate use of adult allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in addition to commonly used immunosuppressive, antiviral, and supportive therapy. The clinical course is discussed thoroughly, with a special emphasis on the safety and effect of MSC therapy. Compassionate MSC treatment, given in three rounds, affected ARDS regression. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit after 31 days and from hospital after 49 days in a good general condition. MSC treatment was not associated with any side effects and was well tolerated in a three-week period; therefore, it should be studied in larger trials and considered for compassionate us