In the context of the proposed study, adipose derived stem cells (ASC) constitute an autologous cell product that is delivered to the patient via intra-venous injection. In this study, we propose to investigate the immunosuppressive potential of the non-manipulated non-cultured stromal vascular fraction obtained via liposuction. Endpoints will be measured both by improvement of the forced evacuation volume in one second (FEV1) and distance covered in a 6 minute walk distance test (6MWD). The stromal vascular fraction comprises stromal cells isolated from total fat via enzymatic digestion ex-vivo. These cells are not cultured but are isolated from adipose tissue using a sterile tissue process in under two hours. The process includes rinsing in a saline solution to remove red blood cells, draining, and enzymatic digestion (collagenase) which isolates endothelial cells from adipose tissue. Post-processing, the pellet obtained via centrifugation is filtered and delivered to the patient who remains sedated within the same ambulatory center.
