NCT06145035 · Roberto Bolli
Single or Repeated Intravenous Administration of umbiliCAl Cord Mesenchymal sTrOmal Cells in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
(CATO)
What this study is about
This is a Phase IIA, randomly assigned, double blind, placebo controlled, conducted at multiple hospitals study designed to assess the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC MSCs), administered given through a vein (IV) (IV) as a single dose or repeated doses, in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).
View original scientific description
This is a Phase IIA, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter study designed to assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC MSCs), administered intravenously (IV) as a single dose or repeated doses, in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs)
The study product will consist of 100 million UC-MSCs suspended in a final volume of 60 ml given at a rate of 3.3 million cells/min. The product will be infused into vein via intravenous line placed in the arm.
Primary outcome measures
change in LVEF (D LVEF) between baseline (M0) and 12 months after the first study product infusion (SPI) (M12)
Time frame: Baseline, 12 months
Change in left ventricular ejection fraction as assessed via cardiac MRI. Units: %
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
- Be ≥ 21 and ≤ 85 years of age.
- Have documented CAD (\> 70% lesion in at least 1 epicardial vessel) with evidence of myocardial injury, LV dysfunction, and clinical evidence of HF.
- Have a "detectable" area of myocardial injury defined as ≥ 5% LV involvement (infarct volume) and any subendocardial involvement by MRI.
- Have an EF ≤ 40% by MRI.
- Be receiving guideline driven medical therapy for HF (beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, or ARNIs, aldosterone antagonists, hydralazine isosorbide, sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors) ) at stable, maximally tolerated doses for ≥ 1 month prior to consent. "Stable" is defined as stable dose with no changes for 30 days after last dose adjustment. For beta blockade "stable" is defined as no greater than a 50% reduction in dose or no more than a 100% increase in dose.
- Have NYHA class I, II or III symptoms of HF (see Appendix A)
- If a female of childbearing potential, be willing to use one form of birth control for the duration of the study and undergo a serum pregnancy test at baseline and within 36 hours prior to infusion
Exclusion criteria
- Indication for standard of care surgery (including valve surgery, placement of left ventricular assist device, or imminent heart transplantation), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure, and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of ischemic and/or valvular heart disease. Subjects who require or undergo PCI should undergo these procedures a minimum of 3 months in advance of randomization. Subjects who require or undergo CABG should undergo these procedures a minimum of 3 months in advance of randomization. In addition, subjects who develop a need for revascularization following enrollment should undergo revascularization without delay. Indication for imminent heart transplantation is defined as a high likelihood of transplant prior to collection of the 12 month study endpoint. Candidates cannot be UNOS 1A or 1B, and they must have documented a low probability of being transplanted.
- Severe valvular (any valve) insufficiency and/or regurgitation within 12 months of consent
- History of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within 90 days of consent
- Presence of a pacemaker and/or implantable cardiac device (ICD) generator with any of the following limitations/conditions:
- manufactured before the year 2000
- leads implanted \< 6 weeks prior to consent
- non transvenous epicardial or abandoned leads
- subcutaneous ICDs (if not MRI compatible)
- leadless pacemakers
- any other condition that, in the judgment of device trained staff, would deem an MRI contraindicated
- Pacemaker dependence with an ICD (Note: pacemaker dependent candidates without an ICD are not excluded)
- A cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implanted less than 3 months prior to consent.
- Other MRI contraindications (e.g. patient body habitus incompatible with MRI)
- An appropriate ICD firing or anti tachycardia pacing (ATP) for ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia within 30 days of consent
- Ventricular tachycardia ≥ 20 consecutive beats without an ICD within 3 months of consent, or symptomatic Mobitz II or higher degree atrioventricular block without a functioning pacemaker within 3 months of consent
- Evidence of active myocarditis
- Baseline glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 35 ml/min/1.73m2
- Blood glucose levels (HbA1c) \>10%
- Hematologic abnormality evidenced by hematocrit \< 25%, white blood cell \< 2,500/ul or platelet count \< 100,000/ul
- Liver dysfunction evidenced by enzymes (AST and ALT) ˃ 3 times the ULN.
- HIV and/or active HBV or HCV
- Known history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin or streptomycin
- Received gene or cell based therapy from any source within the previous 12 months.
- History of malignancy within 2 years (i.e., subjects with prior malignancy must be disease free for 2 years), excluding basal cell carcinoma and cervical carcinoma in situ which have been definitively treated.
- Condition that limits lifespan to \< 1 year
- History of drug abuse (illegal "street" drugs except marijuana, or prescription medications not being used appropriately for a pre-existing medical condition) or alcohol abuse (≥ 5 drinks/day for ˃ 3 months), or documented medical, occupational, or legal problems arising from the use of alcohol or drugs within the past 12 months.
- Participation in an investigational therapeutic or device trial within 30 days of consent
- Cognitive or language barriers that prohibit obtaining informed consent or any study elements
- Pregnancy or lactation or plans to become pregnant in the next 12 months.
- Any other condition that, in the judgment of the Investigator or Sponsor, would impair enrollment, study product administration, or follow up.
Where
- Miami, Florida
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
University of Miami, University of Texas, United States Department of Defense
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 May 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations