Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is defined as a chronic lung disease that occurs when an infant requires oxygen support for at least 28 days after birth, with severity depending on the degree of oxygen dependence and mechanical ventilation support to maintain SpO2 above 89%.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, progressive disease, and is often associated with a chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung parenchyma to noxious particles and gases. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to disease severity in individuals.

In April 2020, RESTEM Biotechnology and Baptist Health South Florida, a nonprofit healthcare organization, announced that three COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were the first to be successfully treated with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the United States.