Human Dopamine Cell Grafts for Parkinson Disease

Human Dopamine Grafts in Alpha-Synuclein Models of Parkinson Disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11127717

This research explores how human dopamine cells, grown from stem cells, can be used as grafts to help people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11127717 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Parkinson's disease causes a progressive loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, leading to movement difficulties and other symptoms. This project aims to understand how the brain's environment affects these grafted human dopamine cells, which are designed to replace the lost cells. Researchers will study how these grafts interact with the brain's existing cells and how they might restore normal brain connections. The ultimate goal is to find better ways to use these cell therapies to regenerate lost neurons and improve brain function for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with Parkinson's disease who might benefit from cell replacement therapies.

Not a fit: Patients whose condition is not related to the loss of dopamine neurons or who are not candidates for cell-based therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new cell-based therapies that regenerate lost brain cells and restore brain circuitry, potentially slowing or reversing the progression of Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: The research group has already successfully derived functional dopamine neurons from human stem cells and completed a Phase 1 clinical trial using these cells, indicating prior success with similar approaches.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.