Cord blood stem cells take on lupus in new trial

NCT ID NCT02633163

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

Summary

This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cords could help adults with lupus that does not respond to standard treatments. 81 participants received either a low dose, high dose, or placebo infusion, while continuing their usual medications. The goal was to see if the stem cell group had better disease control at 24 weeks, measured by a standard lupus activity score.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a new treatment option for people with lupus that is not controlled by current therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a phase II trial with only 81 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Stem cell treatments can have side effects like infusion reactions or infection, and the benefit over standard care is not yet proven.

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.

systemic lupus erythematosus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States

  • Emory University

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

  • Northwestern University

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

  • Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States

  • The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

    Manhasset, New York, 11030, United States

  • University of California - San Diego

    San Diego, California, 92093, United States

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

  • University of Rochester Medical Center

    Rochester, New York, 14642, United States