Can stem cell vesicles heal Crohn's fistulas?
NCT ID NCT05836883
First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether ExoFlo, a product made from extracellular vesicles derived from donor bone marrow stem cells, can safely treat perianal fistulas in people with Crohn's disease. The study enrolls adults aged 18-75 who have had Crohn's for at least six months and have failed at least one prior medical therapy. Participants receive a local injection of ExoFlo or a placebo, and the main goal is to assess safety and feasibility.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ExoFlo, an injection of extracellular vesicles derived from donor bone marrow stem cells
- What this could lead to
- If safe and effective, ExoFlo could offer a new way to heal perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease, potentially reducing the need for surgery or long-term immune-suppressing drugs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (only 5 participants) focused on safety and feasibility, so it may not show clear benefit. Risks include injection-site reactions or lack of effectiveness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
-
5 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Men and Women 18-75 years of age with a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease (CD) for at least six months duration. 2. Single and/or Multi-tract Perianal fistula(s). 3. Failed at least one medical therapy within the last year including, but not limited to, antibiotics, immunomodulators (6-MP, methotrexate, azathioprine), monoclonal antibodies (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, golimumab, vedolizumab), or small molecule inhibitors. 4. Previous failed surgical intervention, including seton placement at least two weeks prior, or are not candidates for surgical intervention or are not willing to undergo surgical intervention for the management of their fistula. 5. Medical therapy for CD stable for at least 2 months prior to administration of IMP. Changes in dosing or dosing intervals related to serum drug levels are permitted. 6. Ability to comply with protocol. 7. Competent and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active perianal abscess or infection at the time of screening, enrollment, or at the time of investigational product administration 2. Clinically significant medical conditions within the six months before administration of IMP that would, in the opinion of the investigators, compromise the safety of the subject. 3. History of cancer including melanoma (with the exception of localized skin cancers) within one year of screening. 4. History of colorectal cancer within 2 years 5. Subjects who have a diagnosis of coagulation disorders and/or are currently on anti-coagulant therapy 6. Investigational drug within one month of treatment 7. Pregnant or breast feeding or trying to become pregnant. 8. Presence of a rectovaginal fistula 9. Presence of an ileal anal pouch and/or history of proctectomy 10. The presence of severe proctitis 11. Any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, would make it unsafe or unsuitable for patients to undergo Magnetic Resonance (MR) evaluations (i.e., presence of implantable or external MR unsafe device that cannot be removed, body weight exceeding limitations, claustrophobia etc.). 12. A participant who is unwilling to use medically acceptable contraception methods during participation in study 13. The following out of range laboratory results at screening (result may be repeated) * WBC \>11 x 109 /L * Hemoglobin \< 8 g/dl * Platelet count \<100,000/mL * AST/ALT \>2 times the upper limit of normal * Creatinine \>2 umol/L * PT/INR: outside normal limits * Hemoglobin A1c\>6.5 mg/dL
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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
-
Direct Biologics Investigational Site
Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a drug plus surgery heal Crohn's fistulas for good?