The MONACO Cell Therapy Study: Monocytes as an Anti-fibrotic Treatment After COVID-19

Up to a third of patients who recovered from SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) had a 20% decline in lung function with a long term reduction in exercise capacity and SF-36 health status a year after infection. Similar outcomes are now being reported in COVID-19 patients, with interstitial lung disease (fibrosis) and long term lung function decline being a common feature. Anti-fibrotic monocytes/macrophages are important for the clearance of partially degraded collagen fragments of fibrotic extracellular matrix, in particular fibrillary-type collagen.

MON002 is an autologous monocyte product, cultured in vitro prior to intravenous delivery into patients with post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis.

The MONACO Cell Therapy Study is a prospective, non-randomised, open label study phase I/II clinical trial with a key objective of evaluating safety of MON002 in 5 adults who have a clinical diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis) after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection. The main objectives of this study are to: (1) to determine the safety profile of MON002 by assessing clinical responses in adults with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and (2) to assess its impact on reducing disease morbidity/severity in this population.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical evidence/diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (fibrosis) following COVID-19 infection
2. Aged at least 18 years
3. Willing and able to participate in the MONACO Cell Therapy Study
4. Signed and dated written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects who have had other investigational medicinal products within 90 days prior to screening or during the treatment phase.
2. Malignant or premalignant haematological conditions
3. Serologically positive for antiHIV1,2; HBsAg; Anti-HBc; Anti-HCVab;Anti-HTLV1,2 or syphilis (Treponema palladium)
4. Concomitant malignancy or history of malignancy within 5 years prior to planned study entry (excluding successfully treated non metastatic basal/squamous cell carcinoma of the skin)
5. Evidence of significant local or systemic infection
6. Any uncontrolled medical condition or concurrent disease that could interfere with the study objectives
7. Clinical diagnosis of interstitial lung disease prior to the COVID-19 infection
8. Any condition which, in the judgement of the Investigator, would place the subject at undue risk
9. Female patients of childbearing potential with a positive serum pregnancy test at enrolment
10. Sexually active Women of Childbearing Potential who do not agree continued abstinence from heterosexual intercourse or to use highly effective methods of birth control for the duration up to 4 weeks post IMP administration. Men who do not agree to use a condom if their partner is of child bearing potential, even if they have had a successful vasectomy after receiving the therapy
11. Female patients who are breastfeeding
12. Psychological, familial, sociological or geographical factors potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow up visit schedule
13. Any form of substance abuse, psychiatric disorder, or other condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may invalidate communication with the Investigator and/or designated study personnel
14. Patients unable to freely give their informed consent (e.g. individuals under legal guardianship).