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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Cell-based therapies for neonatal lung disease
Megan O'Reilly1, Bernard Thébaud2,3
1Department of Physiology and Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1.
Insights
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common lung complication in preterm infants. Cell-based therapies show promise for preventing and repairing lung damage in BPD, offering new treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth affects 11% of global births, with survivors often developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
- BPD is a chronic lung disease with lifelong respiratory health consequences for affected infants.
- Current treatments for BPD are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent pre-clinical research on cell-based therapies for BPD.
- To summarize early clinical trial findings for these novel treatments.
- To explore the potential of stem cell research in managing BPD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pre-clinical studies on cell therapies for BPD.
- Analysis of early-phase clinical trial data for cell-based interventions.
- Synthesis of current evidence on the efficacy and safety of these therapies.
Main Results:
- Pre-clinical data suggest cell therapies can prevent or repair lung damage in models of BPD.
- Early clinical trials indicate potential benefits, but further research is needed.
- Stem cell approaches are emerging as promising strategies for BPD management.
Conclusions:
- Cell-based therapies represent a promising frontier for treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
- Translational research is crucial for advancing these therapies from pre-clinical to clinical settings.
- Further investigation is required to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of cell therapies for BPD.
Abstract:
Preterm birth occurs in approximately 11 % of all births worldwide. Advances in perinatal care have enabled the survival of preterm infants born as early as 23-24 weeks of gestation. However, many are affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-a common respiratory complication of preterm birth, which has life-long consequences for lung health. Currently, there is no specific treatment for BPD. Recent advances in stem cell research have opened new therapeutic avenues for prevention/repair of lung damage. This review summarizes recent pre-clinical data and early clinical translation of cell-based therapies for BPD.
