Australian biopharmaceuticals developer Cynata Therapeutics (ASX: CYP) has returned highly encouraging data from its preclinical trials for its Cymerus™ product aiming  to treat sepsis, the most common cause of death in hospital intensive care units. 

Sepsis, a form of blood poisoning, continues to be a major health problem in hospitals which accounts for 50% of hospital deaths despite improvements in operating standards. Addressing the issue, Cynata has partnered with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RSCI) to develop Cymerus™ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). 

“There is a critical need for new therapies to treat sepsis, which is a devastating condition that can affect people at any stage of life without warning,” said Professor Gerard Curley from RSCI who is leading the studies.

In comparison against a placebo control, the preclinical data identified Cymerus MSC treatment to increase blood oxygen levels and lung compliance whilst decreasing neutrophil inflammation, barrier permeability and inflammation. 

 “These exciting results give us grounds for optimism that Cymerus MSCs could provide a new treatment option for these patients,” said Curley. 

Beyond treatments for sepsis, Cynata aims to develop the next generation of stem cell therapeutics where the Company is in the process of clinical trials for Graft vs Host diseases (GvHD), critical limb ischemia and osteoarthritis, the latter of which has a major commercialisation opportunity in a marketplace valued at USD $11.6 billion annually. 

At present, Cynata has the only platform in the world capable of producing mesenchymal stem cells from a single source. 

Shares in CYP saw a strong spike in early morning trade following the release of its preclinical data results with shares reaching a morning high of $1.15 per share, a rise of 12.7% on the previous day’s close.