Can a bone marrow stimulant help people with leg artery disease walk farther?

NCT ID NCT03304821

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a drug called GM-CSF can improve symptoms and blood flow in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where plaque narrows leg arteries, causing pain and limiting walking. 151 participants received either GM-CSF or a placebo for two 3-week treatment periods. The main goal was to see if GM-CSF increased the distance they could walk in 6 minutes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

GM-CSF (also called Sargramostim or Leukine)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a treatment that improves walking ability and blood flow in people with peripheral artery disease.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with 151 participants, so results are still early. The drug may not show significant benefit over placebo, and side effects like injection site reactions or bone pain are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atherosclerosis peripheral arterial disease vascular disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Emory University Hospital

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States