Human Studies
SMS cells are being evaluated in human studies to assess their potential in treating diseases such as:
Respiratory diseases:
COPD
Bio-manufactured SMS cells are administered via nebulization, enabling direct delivery to the lungs. Their unique size and resilience characteristics make this method of cell delivery feasible and effective. A phase 1 clinical trial is currently enrolling 18 patients with mild to moderate COPD, organized into three ascending-dose cohorts.
The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability, while secondary and exploratory endpoints include early signs of efficacy, such as improvements in lung function, reduction in exacerbation frequency, and enhanced patient-reported outcomes.
Unlocking Cartilage Repair with SMS Cells
Chondrocyte Regeneration
Small Mobile Stem (SMS) cells have been tested for their effect on chondrocytes—the key cells responsible for producing and maintaining joint cartilage.
Binding of Small Mobile Stem (SMS) cells to chondrocytes triggers changes in the expression of thousands of genes, with the overall pattern strongly supporting cartilage repair and reduction or elimination of pain and inflammation.
Tendon and Ligament Regeneration
Small Mobile Stem (SMS) cells have been tested for their effect on Tenocytes, the key cells responsible for producing and maintaining tendons. Due to lack of vascularization Tendons and Ligaments are tissues that lack in their ability to repair and regenerate.
Binding Small Mobile Stem (SMS) cells to Tenocytes triggers changes in the expression of many genes in Tenocytes, with the overall pattern strongly supporting tissue repair. SMS cells can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels further enhancing and optimizing repair.
Other indications
SMS cells have potent cross-talk with multiple cell types that drive tissue regeneration across different organs.
They readily bind to mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) residing in all vascularized tissues, enhancing MSC activation, and pro-repair signaling. Because MSCs play central roles in organ healing, this interaction amplifies regenerative activity wherever MSCs are present.
In addition, SMS cells exert strong effects on endothelial cells, promoting their proliferation, stabilization, and organization into new blood vessels. This angiogenic stimulation is critical for tissue repair, as restored and newly formed microvasculature provides the oxygen, nutrients, and biochemical support required for effective regeneration.
Together, these interactions position SMS cells as powerful upstream modulators of multi-organ healing through combined mesenchymal activation and vascular regeneration.
References
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- Whittle, S. L., Johnston, R. V., McDonald, S., et al. (2025). Stem cell injections for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2025(4), CD013342.
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