Acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS is a very serious complication for many patients suffering from COVID-19, and is believed to account for about 80% of the deaths in ventilated patients. There is no proven or FDA-approved treatment for it, other than oxygen therapy, including use of mechanical ventilation, and fluid management. Literature from previous studies with mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) support the idea that MSCs due to their anti-inflammatory activities may have the potential to improve management of COVID-19 related ARDS. Dr. Nimesh Desai, principal investigator of the study, explains the action of MSCs and the trial investigating the effectiveness  of the stem cell therapy.