NIH-funded research R01 grant

Personalized cell therapy for Parkinson's disease using patient-derived stem cells

Official title: Human iPSC-Based Personalized Cell Therapy of PD

Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11072052 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a special treatment for Parkinson's disease using personalized cells made from your own stem cells, aiming to replace the brain cells that help with movement and improve your symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMclean Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Belmont, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$689,100
NIH project number5R01NS129188-03
Project IDNIH-11072052 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with Parkinson's disease who are younger than 65 or those with other neurodegenerative disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a personalized cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) by utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from patients. The approach aims to replace lost midbrain dopamine neurons, which are crucial for motor function, by creating tailored cell treatments that match individual genetic backgrounds. The research involves advanced techniques to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these cells, including eliminating undifferentiated cells that could lead to tumors. By addressing the unique needs of each patient, this therapy could potentially halt or reverse the progression of PD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment option that may halt or even reverse the progression of Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Mclean Hospital
    Belmont, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kim, Kwang-Soo — Mclean Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Kim, Kwang-Soo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.