Could a single injection fix your aching back? new trial tests disc repair cells

NCT ID NCT03955315

Completed Disease control Sponsor: DiscGenics, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tested an experimental treatment called IDCT (injectable disc cell therapy) in 38 people with chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease. Participants received either a low or high dose of the cell therapy or a sham procedure. The goal was to check safety and see if the treatment reduces pain and disability. Results are still being analyzed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Injectable disc cell therapy (discogenic cells mixed with sodium hyaluronate)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a non-surgical treatment that repairs damaged spinal discs and reduces chronic low back pain.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase I/II trial with only 38 participants, so results are preliminary. The treatment may not work better than a sham procedure, and there could be unknown 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.

intervertebral disk degenerative disorder lumbar disk degenerative disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chiba University Hospital

Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
Mie University Hospital

Tsu, Mie-ken, 514-8507, Japan
Nagoya university hospital

Shōwaku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
Osaka University Hospital

Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
Tokai University Hospital

Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
University of Yamanashi Hospital

Chūō, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan

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