Could umbilical cord stem cells save lungs in ARDS?
NCT ID NCT03042143
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cords can help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung condition often seen in intensive care. The study first finds a safe dose, then randomly gives either stem cells or a placebo to 129 patients on ventilators. Researchers will measure lung function and side effects to see if the treatment is promising.
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 stem cells
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for ARDS, a life-threatening lung condition with few effective options.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial (Phase 1/2) with a small number of participants. The stem cell treatment may not improve outcomes or could cause unexpected 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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Royal Hospitals
Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BA, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could simply sitting up ease breathing in severe lung failure?
- Could lung fluid proteins reveal a new way to track severe lung injury?
- Could a spirometer test guide breathing support in respiratory failure?
- Which ventilator setting saves more lungs? a Head-to-Head test
- Can a single antibody turn down the immune storm in ARDS?