Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 50 and up

Exosome-based nasal therapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

Official title: The Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Exosomes Derived From Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (CB-Exo-A600) in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT07457125 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A two-phase study tests whether nasal drops made from umbilical cord stem cell exosomes can help people aged 50 and older with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment33 (estimated)
SponsorXuanwu Hospital, Beijing
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 30, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2028
Study endsDecember 30, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT07457125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 50 and older with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and supportive biomarker evidence of AD.

Probably not a fit

Patients without favorable safety or biomarker results or with significant comorbidities may not experience benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial has a dose-escalation phase in a single center to identify safe exosome dose levels, followed by a multicenter expansion phase that randomizes participants to the exosome therapy or a matching placebo exosome. It uses a 3+3 design for dose escalation and then a 1:1 randomized, double-blind comparison over 12 weeks. Dosing is 2 mL per administration, given twice weekly. Primary focus is safety, with efficacy data gathered to determine the chosen dose for the expansion cohort.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience stabilization or slowing of cognitive symptoms related to Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies using exosome-based approaches in neurodegenerative diseases have shown signals of safety and potential efficacy, but this specific intranasal, umbilical cord-derived exosome approach is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 50 years, male or female.
* Clinical diagnosis of AD (mild to moderate stage, corresponding to clinical stage 4-5 at screening according to the 2024 National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer's Association \[NIA/AA\] criteria).
* Patients with cerebrospinal fluid biomarker data supporting an AD diagnosis within the past 3 years, or a positive amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan result within the past 3 years, or a plasma p-tau217 test result indicating brain amyloid positivity.
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan performed within 6 months prior to screening shows findings consistent with the clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate AD and no other clinically significant comorbid pathologies, particularly cerebrovascular disease. If an MRI or CT scan is not available within the 6 months prior to screening, an MRI must be completed and results confirmed before the subject initiates treatment.
* Modified Hachinski Ischemic Score (mHIS) ≤ 4.
* Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score between 10 and 24 (inclusive).
* The subject has a clearly identified and reliable caregiver who meets the following criteria: able to independently read and understand relevant study documents at the study site and communicate necessary information with the investigator; willing to comply with clinical study procedures and ensure the provision of accurate information regarding the subject's status throughout the study; resides with the subject or provides care for the subject for no less than 2 hours per day on at least 3 days per week.
* Female subjects of childbearing potential (including women of reproductive age and those less than 1 year postmenopausal) must use effective contraceptive methods throughout the study.
* Patients have been on stable doses of cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, huperzine A), excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine), or other cognitive-enhancing medications (e.g., sodium oligomannate) for at least 60 days prior to enrollment and must continue on the same doses throughout the study period.
* The subject or their legal guardian voluntarily signs a written informed consent form and is able to comply with the study requirements for dosing and follow-up.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a known allergic reaction to the investigational drug or similar drugs.
* Patients with a known allergic constitution.
* Previous receipt of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
* Laboratory findings (any of the following): absolute neutrophil count \< 1.0 × 10⁹/L, platelet count \< 100 × 10⁹/L, serum creatinine \> upper limit of normal range, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, or aspartate aminotransferase \> 2 × upper limit of normal range.
* Contraindications for MRI, including but not limited to: presence of cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, cardiac stent, artificial heart valve, post-aneurysm surgery metal clips, implanted drug infusion device, any implanted electronic device (nerve stimulator, bone growth stimulator), intravascular embolization coils, filters, ECG monitor, metal sutures, shrapnel or buckshot, fracture fixation hardware, cochlear implant, middle ear implant, intraocular metallic foreign body, etc.
* Subject has Parkinson's disease, multiple cerebral infarction, vascular dementia, Huntington's disease, hydrocephalus, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability, or a history of significant traumatic brain injury (with or without persistent neurological deficits) or known structural brain abnormalities.
* Serious systemic infection within 3 months prior to the screening period.
* Positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen, e antigen, or e antibody, or positive for Hepatitis B core antibody with detectable Hepatitis B virus DNA; positive for Hepatitis C virus antibody; positive for syphilis serology; or positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody.
* History of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or psychiatric illness within 10 years prior to screening.
* History of malignant tumors.
* Uncontrolled or poorly controlled cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or other systemic diseases.
* Presence of severe aphasia, auditory/visual impairment, unstable cardiac arrhythmia, or other severe conditions that would preclude completion of cognitive assessments or receipt of treatment.
* Any other severe, advanced, or end-stage disease with a life expectancy of less than 12 months.
* Known pregnancy or breastfeeding, or positive pregnancy test prior to randomization.
* Current participation in another interventional clinical study that may interfere with outcome assessments.
* Any other condition deemed by the investigator to make the subject unsuitable for participation or that may pose a significant risk to the patient.

Where it's running

  • Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
    Beijing, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.