NCT04496479 · LyGenesis, Inc.
Allogenic Hepatocyte Transplantation Into Periduodenal Lymph Nodes
What this study is about
This Phase 2a clinical trial is a gradually increasing doses study of the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of hepatocyte transplantation into lymph nodes via endoscopic ultrasound among subjects with end-stage liver disease.
View original scientific description
This Phase 2a clinical trial is a dose escalation study of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of hepatocyte transplantation into lymph nodes via endoscopic ultrasound among subjects with end-stage liver disease.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
LYG-LIV0001
Allogenic hepatocytes suspended in a buffered cell preservation solution with increasing number of lymph nodes being transplanted for the dose escalation. Subjects will also receive immune suppression, including tacrolimus capsules to follow the dose prescribed by the investigator as well as a short course of prednisone.
Primary outcome measures
Dosage Selection
Time frame: Week 12
The primary objective of the dose escalation is to confirm the optimal dose of transplanted hepatocytes to safely achieve adequate allogeneic hepatocyte (AH) engraftment
Safety of Engraftment of Hepatocytes in to Lymph Nodes
Time frame: Week 12
The primary safety objective of the dose escalation is to determine whether AH engraftments into the periduodenal lymph nodes in subjects with end-stage liver disease is safe as determined by the number/severity of adverse events
Efficacy of Engraftment of Hepatocytes in to Lymph Nodes
Time frame: Week 12
The primary efficacy objective of the dose escalation is to determine whether AH engraftments into the periduodenal lymph nodes in subjects with end-stage liver disease is efficacious in addressing some of the signs and symptoms of end-stage liver disease
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
- Have read, understood, and signed the informed consent form (ICF).
- Adults of either gender and ages 18 to 70 years old with a diagnosis of ESLD due to alcohol, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosis cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis (cholangitis), cirrhosis as the result of Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis and alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, cryptogenic cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis with a MELD-Na score \>10 and \<25 at screening.
- Subjects must have a body mass index (BMI) \<35.
- Subjects with HCV associated ESLD must have been treated and demonstrate 24 weeks of negative HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA).
- Subjects with HBV must be on stable therapy for 6 months and have HBV deoxyribonucleic acid \<500 c/mL.
- Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or sexual partners of male subjects who are WOCBP must be able and willing to use at least 1 highly effective method of contraception during the study and for 1 month after the last study visit. A female subject is considered to be a WOCBP after menarche and until she is in a postmenopausal state for 12 months or otherwise permanently sterile (for which acceptable methods include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and bilateral oophorectomy; HMA, 2014). For the definition and list of highly effective methods of contraception, see Appendix 1.
- Has stable control of portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding with medical therapy and/or endoscopic therapy.
- If the subject has undergone a TIPS procedure for the clinical management of portal hypertension, they must be stable after the successful TIPS procedure, and not experiencing serious complications from the TIPS procedure itself (e.g., infection and intractable hepatic encephalopathy).
- Has blood urea nitrogen (BUN) \<80 mg/dL.
- Has an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2.
- Agrees to avoid alcohol consumption during the study.
- Is willing and able to comply with all requirements of the study protocol.
Exclusion criteria
- Has primary hepatic neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma).
- Has active and/or uncontrolled severe infections requiring hospitalization and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
- Has severe coagulopathy (international normalized ratio \[INR\] \>2, and/or platelet count \<50,000/μL).
- Has psychiatric and/or social issues that could lead to noncompliance.
- Has an extrahepatic neoplastic disease requiring active chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or surgical resection.
- Has previously treated neoplastic disease with less than a 2-year cancer free period.
- Pregnant and lactating women should not be in the study.
- Known hypersensitivity to human serum albumin.
- Subjects with uncontrolled hypertension (defined as a diastolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg or higher).
- Has recurrent/intractable ascites refractory to diuretics and requiring periodic large volume paracentesis.
- Has primary alcoholic liver disease and has not demonstrated abstinence for at least 24 weeks (6 months) prior to enrollment while attending mandatory rehab programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) and psychotherapy.
- Has grade 3 esophageal varices requiring the continuous use of propranolol and cannot afford to have this medication withheld and/or discontinued.
- Has a Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) Class of C.
- Is receiving or plans to receive treatment with another investigational product or device.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Houston, Texas
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 Aug 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations