Groundbreaking trial tests lung stem cells to fight fatal scarring disease

This early-stage study is testing whether a patient's own lung stem cells, grown from a small biopsy and given through an IV, can safely slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a serious lung-scarring disease. The trial involves 24 patients with progressive lung fibrosis who will receive either a low or high dose of their own cells or continue with standard care. Researchers will monitor patients for two years to check safety and see if the treatment helps preserve lung function and walking ability.