MUST-ARDS (MultiStem® for the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a phase 1/2 clinical trial designed to investigate a novel adult cell therapy for ARDS. MultiStem is an allogeneic, adult, multipotent progenitor stem cell that is currently being investigated in phase 2 clinical trials to treat ischemic stroke and ulcerative colitis. Athersys, Ltd., a SME and clinical stage biotechnology company, has been developing the MultiStem cell therapy platform for multiple disease indications. MultiStem cells exhibit a drug-like profile in that they act primarily through the production of multiple factors that regulate the immune system, protect damaged or injured tissue, promote tissue repair and healing and enhance the formation of new blood vessels in regions of ischemic injury. Athersys and the Cell Therapy Catapult through MUST-ARDS determine if MultiStem can reduce mortality, shorten hospital stay and improve patient outcomes for those suffering from ARDS.