Safety and Efficacy of Adipose Derived Stem Cells for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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.