Stem cells injected into hands aim to heal stubborn scleroderma ulcers
NCT ID NCT03211793
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether injecting stem cells (mesenchymal stromal cells) into the hand and forearm muscles can safely help heal painful finger ulcers in people with scleroderma. The study includes 20 participants whose ulcers have not improved with standard treatments. The main goal is to check for side effects, but researchers will also look for signs of better blood flow and ulcer healing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- mesenchymal stromal cells (stem cells)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to heal stubborn finger ulcers in people with scleroderma, reducing pain and preventing tissue loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (20 people) focused on safety first. It may not show clear benefit, and there are risks like injection-site reactions or worsening ulcers.
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
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: * Established diagnosis of SSc according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria * At least one active digital ulcer (painful area, \>2 mm in diameter with visible depth and loss of dermis) refractory to intravenous prostacyclins * 'Refractory to prostacyclins' is defined as * Worsening of ulcer(s) within 1 month after prostacyclins iv * No improvement of ulcer(s) after 2 months after prostacyclins iv, as judged by the referring physician * Recurrence of exactly the same ulcer(s) (same location) within 3 months after prostacyclins iv * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Ulcer with underlying calcinosis (ruled out by X-ray prior to screening/inclusion) * History of neoplasm or malignancy in the past 10 years * Pregnancy or unwillingness to use adequate contraception during study * Serious known concomitant disease with life expectancy \<1 year * Uncontrolled hypertension * Uncontrolled acute or chronic infection with systemic symptoms (e.g. fever) * Follow-up impossible
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
RECRUITINGUtrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
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- Could a simple injection dissolve painful calcium lumps in rare diseases?
- Finger injections aim to loosen stiff hands in scleroderma