Duane Peters from the Lupus Foundation of America interviews Dr Gary Gilkeson from the Medical University of South Carolina about a phase I trial into the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in refractory lupus patients in the USA, following impressive results of clinical improvement resulting from this therapy in China.

The trial indicated that infusions of MSCs derived from the umbilical cord are safe and may be effective in treating mild to moderate systemic lupus erythematosus, with minimal adverse effects.