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

NCT ID NCT03955315

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.

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.

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.

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