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Can a bone marrow trick make face transplants safer?

NCT ID NCT01889381

Recruiting now ⭐️ CURE ⭐️ Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests a new approach to face transplantation that aims to reduce the need for lifelong, high-dose immunosuppressive drugs. The method combines a bone marrow cell infusion with a single low-dose immunosuppressant, potentially lowering the risk of infection, cancer, and other side effects. Researchers plan to perform 15 full or partial face transplants in people with severe facial injuries or defects. The goal is to see if this strategy can help the transplanted face survive while minimizing the burden of immunosuppression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Bone marrow cell-based therapy combined with a single immunosuppressive drug (tacrolimus) and initial T-cell depletion with alemtuzumab
What this could lead to
If successful, this could make face transplantation safer and more accessible, reducing the need for lifelong high-dose immunosuppression and improving quality of life for people with severe facial injuries.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants. The approach may not prevent rejection in all cases, and immunosuppression still carries risks of infection, cancer, and metabolic issues.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

craniofacial and skeletal defects Facial Injuries head injury injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CRANIOFACIAL DEFECTS CRANIOFACIAL INJURIES FACIAL DEFORMITY FACIAL INJURIES FACIAL TRANSPLANTATION TRAUMATIC WOUNDS AND INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

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