Cord stem cells inhaled for lung scarring: first human test
NCT ID NCT05468502
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tested whether injecting human umbilical cord stem cells into the lungs is safe for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease that scars the lungs and makes breathing hard. Seventeen patients received different doses through a bronchoscope. The main goal was to find a safe dose and watch for side effects. Researchers also looked for early signs of benefit, like improved breathing or walking distance, but the results are too preliminary to draw conclusions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could point toward a treatment that slows or stabilizes IPF, a serious lung disease with few options.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 17 people. It mainly checks safety, not whether the treatment works. Many early-stage cell therapies fail to show benefit in larger studies.
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
-
Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200233, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a new pill slow lung scarring in IPF?
- Beyond the lungs: the hidden emotional toll of IPF medications
- Can umbilical cord stem cells ease a scarring lung disease?
- Spotting hidden blood clots in scarred lungs: a study hunts for clues
- What makes someone stop a lung fibrosis drug? a study asks patients directly
- A smarter way to track lung disease? new platform aims to personalize COPD and IPF care