Scientists 3D print a tiny spine model to unravel back pain
NCT ID NCT07250126
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study aims to create a realistic 3D bioprinted model of a spinal disc using human cells from five patients undergoing spine surgery. Researchers will compare the gene activity of cells in the model to real disc cells to see how well the model mimics the body. The goal is to develop a better tool for studying degenerative disc disease and testing future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to more realistic lab models for studying spine disease and testing potential treatments without using animals.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study (5 people) focused on building a model, not testing a treatment. The model may not fully mimic real human spine conditions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 5 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Patient affected by Degenerative Disc disease undergoing spinal surgery
- Ages
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30 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Signature of the Informed Consent for the study * Age 30-70 years (included) * Pfirrmann grade III-V * Need to undergo spinal surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of HIV, HBC, HCV or TPHA infection
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio
RECRUITINGMilan, MI, 20157, Italy
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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