NCT06464588 · Emory University
A Phase 1 Open-Label Study of the Safety of Intravenous Allogeneic Neonatal Mesenchymal Cells (nMSCs) in Young Adult (1A) and Pediatric (1B) Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
What this study is about
This is a Phase 1 study to determine the safety and effectiveness of allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs) for the treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The purpose of the study is to help doctors and scientists learn if allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs) infusions are a safe and effective way to improve cardiac function and left ventricular ejection fraction.
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 1 study to determine the safety and efficacy of allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs) for the treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The purpose of the study is to help doctors and scientists learn if allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs) infusions are a safe and effective way to improve cardiac function and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Allogeneic Neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs)
nMSCs will be administered intravenously in the predefined dose per each group. The rate of infusion will be approximately 30- 60 minutes at 0, 15 and 30 days, with escalating dose levels.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of participants with freedom from any Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 3 or greater
Time frame: End of study, around 12 months post-intervention
Proportion of participants with freedom from any Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 3 or greater AE that is probably or related to the IP throughout the duration of the study will be recorded. Results can vary from 0 to 100% and higher proportion correlates with better outcome. TCAE Grade 3 is defined as severe or medically significant not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization. Grade 4 and 5 AEs include composite of: death, life-threatening events, initial or prolonged hospitalization, disability of permanent damage and congenital anomaly/birth defects.
Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Time frame: End of study, around 12 months post-intervention
If two patients in a dosing group have a related SAE or Dose Limiting Toxicity (DLT), then the previous dosing group will be defined as MTD.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Phase 1A: Age greater than or equal to 16 years and less than 40 years (≥16 years, \<40 years).
- Phase 1B: Age greater than or equal to 4 years and less than 16 years (≥4 years, \<16 years)
- Subjects must be able to sign their own consent for Phase 1A of the study.
- Diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) defined as
- Any Congenital Cardiac Malformation with systemic ventricular systolic dysfunction; Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy; Familial/Inherited and/or Genetic Cardiomyopathy; History of Myocarditis; Acquired (Chemotherapy, Iatrogenic, Infection, Rheumatic, Nutritional); Ischemic (e.g. Kawasaki Disease, post-operative); Left ventricular noncompaction; Coronary Artery Disease
- Left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 45% documented by two-dimensional echocardiogram or cardiac MRI within the prior six months.
- Left ventricular dilation as defined by echocardiography left ventricular and end-diastolic dimension Z score \> +2.0
- Biventricular physiology with systemic left ventricle
- Must receive guideline directed heart failure as defined by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and Heart Failure Society of America 118
- Have been unresponsive or poorly responsive to at least 3 months of maximum guideline directed treatments.
Exclusion criteria
- Listed for heart transplantation (as UNOS status 1A) or hospitalized while waiting for transplant (while on inotropes or with ventricular assist device)
- Cardiovascular surgery of percutaneous intervention to palliate or correct congenital cardiovascular malformations within 3 months of the screening visit. Patients anticipated to undergo corrective heart surgery during the 12 months after entry into Part 1A/1B.
- Previous heart transplant recipient
- Unoperated primary obstructive or severe regurgitant valve (aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid) disease, or significant systemic ventricular outflow obstruction or aortic arch obstruction anticipated to require surgical or transcatheter intervention within 6 months.
- Restrictive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Cardiogenic shock
- Currently on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
- Ventricular assist device support
- Lethal, uncontrollable arrhythmia defined as an arrhythmia resulting in hemodynamic instability requiring need for defibrillation, continuous intravenous anti-arrhythmic medication or mechanical circulatory support
- Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation requiring specific pharmacotherapy
- Amyloidosis
- Ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
- Clinical history of malignant neoplasm within 5 years (with the exception of curatively treated basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or cervical carcinoma)
- Serious neurologic disorder including loss of vision, stroke, or paralysis
- High-grade pulmonary embolism requiring interventional catheter procedure or pulmonary hypertension requiring use of pulmonary vasodilators including phosphodiesterase inhibitor or nitric oxide
- High-grade renal failure \[eGFR\<45\] mL/min/1.73 m2 - serum potassium \>5.3 mmol/L
- Multiple organ failure
- Non-cardiac condition that limits life span for \<1 year
- Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \>9%) at screening
- Active infection (including endocarditis) requiring pharmacotherapy
- Active hemorrhagic disease (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, injury)
- History of cardiac transplantation
- Immune system-altering medications, or immunosuppressive therapy at the time of enrolment or within the prior 12 weeks
- Dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy confirmed by standard cardiomyopathy panel testing
- Confirmed myocarditis at time of screening
- Elevated LFTs greater than 2 times upper limit of normal at time of consent
- Elevated WBC greater than upper limit of normal as defined by local lab at time of consent
- Presence of HLA antibodies specific for therapeutic study product
- History of noncompliance, alcohol abuse, recreational drug use, or incarceration within the last year
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Unsafe/unfeasible to enroll due to PI/designee discretion
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
The Marcus Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations