Umbilical cord cells could patch up painful anal fistulas

NCT ID NCT04190862

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether injecting special cells from human umbilical veins (E-CEL UVEC) can safely help heal simple anal fistulas after surgery. The study involves 39 adults who are already scheduled for fistulotomy. Researchers will monitor for side effects over two weeks and check if the fistula comes back at 6 and 24 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: E-CEL UVEC (endothelial cells from human umbilical vein)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new cell therapy that improves healing and reduces relapse after fistula surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 39 people, so it is mainly checking safety, not yet proving it works. The cells may not improve healing or could cause side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anal fistula

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANAL FISTULA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Weill Cornell Medical College - NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States

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