Considering the potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the treatment of lung injuries by COVID-19, this pilot clinical trial evaluates the safety and potential efficacy of the cell therapy, administered intravenously, in patients with pneumonia associated with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR;
• Thorax CT image suggestive of viral pneumonia;
• Respiratory failure (SaO2 <93% with O2 at 5L / min)
• Tracheal intubation (first 48 h);

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• Patients with a history of cancer, chemotherapy in the past 2 years;
• Life expectancy less than 6 months or in exclusive palliative care;
• Severe liver failure, with Child-Pugh score> 12;
• High probability of death in the following 48 h;
• Previous renal failure: patients who were already on dialysis or patients with RFG <30ml / min / 1.73 m2;
• Clinical or radiological suspicion of tuberculosis and bacterial pneumonia.