Stem Cells for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress

The main purpose of this research is to determine whether mesenchymal stromal stem cells are effective and safe in helping patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19 infection. 

This is a study of investigational mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19, the infection due to the 2019 novel coronavirus.  The study will enroll 240 patients who will receive either MSC or placebo (an inactive substance). Patients will choose to participate in this study will receive two infusions of either MSC or placebo and will be followed during the course of their stay in the hospital and periodically for up to 1 year after enrollment in the trial. After hospital discharge, all follow-up contacts will be conducted via telephone.