Stem Cell Therapy From Young Donors Shows Promise in Reversing Frailty
As we age, a decline in physical function is often inevitable. Frailty—characterized by reduced strength, energy, and resilience—affects millions of Americans, increasing the risk of falls, infections, and hospitalization. Although, emerging research suggests a potential breakthrough: stem cell therapy using cells from young, healthy donors may offer a way to combat frailty and restore vitality.
Between 7 and 12 percent of Americans over 65 are considered frail, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, and this percentage increases with age. Above the age of 80, as many as 25 percent of adults are frail. This number can be even higher in people with underlying health conditions like cancer, heart failure, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
Researchers at Longeveron, a biotechnology company, are investigating a therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow and fat tissues. A recent study, published in Cell Stem Cell, explored the impact of these cells on frailty in older adults.
The double-blind study involved nearly 150 participants aged 70 to 85 with mild to moderate frailty. Participants received either a placebo or a single dose of laromestrocel therapy, with MSCs sourced from healthy donors between the ages of 14 and 18. Dosages ranged from 25 million to 200 million cells.
Improved Physical Function with Higher Doses
The six-minute walk test, a common measure of exercise capacity, revealed significant improvements in the groups receiving higher doses of stem cells. Participants who received the highest dose (200 million cells) were able to walk approximately 41 meters (134.5 feet) farther six months after treatment, and 63 meters (207 feet) farther after nine months, compared to their baseline performance.
Researchers also observed reduced inflammation and improved blood vessel function in participants receiving 100 million or more stem cells. This suggests the therapy may address underlying factors contributing to frailty.
The Importance of Younger Donors
The study highlights the potential benefits of using stem cells from younger donors. As noted by Jorge Ruiz, MD, a geriatrician at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida, this treatment represents “the first time” a therapy has targeted the biological processes of accelerated aging. Kenneth Rockwood, MD, a geriatrician at Dalhousie University, emphasized that even a single grade improvement in frailty is “non-trivial.”
While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, the findings suggest that younger stem cells may be more potent and effective in reversing age-related decline.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the promising results, several challenges remain before this therapy can become widely available. Frailty is a complex condition with no clear cause or standard treatment. The process of obtaining bone marrow from young donors also involves anesthesia and potential discomfort. The cost of the therapy is likely to be substantial.
However, researchers are optimistic about overcoming these hurdles. Longeveron is working on methods to produce large quantities of stem cells, potentially reducing the reliance on donor availability. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimize the treatment protocol.
“There is a lot of work ongoing regarding the ability to make these kinds of stem cells in large quantities,” Joshua Hare, chief science officer at Longeveron, told New Scientist. “And I am confident the need will be met.”
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