An experimental therapy using stem cells from young donors has shown promise in improving mobility for frail older people. In a trial involving 148 participants, infusions of laromestrocel led to significant gains in walking distance. Researchers highlight its potential to address biological roots of frailty.
Frailty, which increases risks of falls and infections, affects about one in four people over age 65 and typically requires lifestyle interventions like strength training. However, a new approach from Longeveron, a biotechnology firm in Miami, Florida, targets underlying ageing mechanisms such as inflammation and metabolic impairments in muscles.
The therapy, laromestrocel, consists of mesenchymal stem cells sourced from the bone marrow of healthy donors aged 18 to 45. These cells can differentiate into various types, including muscle and cartilage. Following positive results in early-stage trials, researchers conducted a larger study with 148 individuals aged 74 to 76 exhibiting mild-to-moderate frailty.
Participants received varying doses of laromestrocel or a placebo, and their mobility was assessed via a six-minute walk test. Those given the highest dose walked 41 metres farther than the placebo group six months post-infusion, improving to 63 metres at nine months. No serious adverse effects were reported.
"Frailty is a major source of disability and diminished quality of life in older individuals," said Joshua Hare of Longeveron. "There is a major unmet need to find biological treatments."
The treatment inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes that degrade structural proteins in blood vessels and tissues, potentially regenerating the vascular system to aid muscle endurance. It did not enhance walking speed or grip strength, but Hare noted, "Clinically, the most important issue is the 6-minute walk distance, which is known to correlate with health status and longevity."
Analysis of blood samples identified sTIE2, a marker of impaired vascular function, as decreasing with higher doses, suggesting it could help select suitable patients. Daisy Wilson at the University of Birmingham, UK, called the results "very promising," praising the walk time improvements.
Yet, Wilson questioned practicality, citing high costs compared to exercise programs that achieve similar gains of over 50 metres. She also noted challenges in sourcing stem cells from volunteers. Hare responded that industry advances are enabling large-scale production to meet demand.
