Development of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Stroke

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent adult stem cells characterized by ease of isolation and expansion, low immunogenicity, and paracrine and immunomodulatory functions. MSCs can be derived from various tissue types such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, and adipose tissue. Currently, MSCs are the primary source of stem cells used in most preclinical and clinical studies of stroke. In addition to repairing injured tissue or replacing neurons lost after a stroke, MSCs can also modulate the microenvironment of damaged brain tissue, making it more regenerative and less inflamed. MSC therapy is still in its early stages and more research and trials are needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

Fig. 1. Potential mechanisms of MSC therapy for stroke. (Rust et al., 2019)

Our MSC-Based Therapy Development Services

At Ace Therapeutics, we have been at the forefront of MSC therapy for many years. Our drug development team has extensive experience in stem cell therapy development, assisting clients in developing MSC therapy for stroke and evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in preclinical stroke models.

Our laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and instrumentation, allowing us to conduct preclinical studies of MSC therapy with the highest level of reliability. From advanced bioreactors for cell production to sophisticated imaging platforms, we aim to advance the development of innovative MSC-based therapies.

Isolation and Preservation of MSCs

We can isolate MSCs from a variety of sources and culture them in vitro for several weeks. We cryopreserve in vitro expanded MSCs to maintain their activity and function. Our stringent quality control measures ensure the continued production of high purity, genomically stable MSC.

Preclinical Studies on MSC-Based Therapy for the Treatment of Stroke

We establish co-culture models of MSCs with hypoxic neurons or brain microvascular endothelial cells to analyze the effects of MSC therapy on the apoptosis of hypoxic neurons and the formation of brain microvascular endothelial cells.

We also provide animal models of stroke to carefully validate and identify the key determinants that influence the success of MSC transplantation in stroke, providing a more controlled environment to optimize these variables prior to proper experimental design. Our team works closely with clients to design and conduct comprehensive studies aimed that provide a common and rigorous platform for preclinical investigation of MSC therapy in stroke.

• Donor cells (cell type, safety, cell dose)
• Host factors (the severity, subtype, and lesion location of stroke)
• Time of stroke onset (acute, subacute, or chronic stroke)
• Route of administration (intravenous, endovascular route)
• Assessment of outcome measures (behavioral outcomes and imaging assessments, measurement of blood-brain barrier integrity)

At Ace Therapeutics, we develop customized preclinical development strategies for MSC therapies to meet the research needs of our clients. Leveraging our extensive experience, advanced facilities, and collaborative thinking, Ace Therapeutics is the partner of choice for pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop MSC-based therapies for the treatment of stroke. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us! 

1. Li, W., et al. (2021). Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for stroke: current understanding and challenges. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 15, 628940.