Infusing healthy mitochondria to treat cerebral ischemia

Study Title: Autologous Mitochondrial Transplant for Cerebral Ischemia

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT04998357

This study is testing whether infusing healthy mitochondria into the brain can help patients with reduced blood flow during a specific treatment for stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT04998357 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to infuse healthy autologous mitochondria into the cerebral vessels of patients experiencing ischemia during standard endovascular reperfusion therapy. The approach is based on preclinical evidence suggesting that mitochondrial damage caused by ischemia can be reversed with such infusions. The trial will assess the safety and feasibility of this novel intervention in human subjects, specifically targeting those eligible for endovascular thrombectomy. The procedure will be conducted concurrently with clinically indicated treatments for acute large vessel occlusion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients eligible for endovascular thrombectomy to treat acute large vessel occlusion.

Not a fit: Patients with known mitochondrial diseases or those who are hemodynamically unstable may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic strokes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar mitochondrial transplantation approaches in heart conditions, indicating potential for this novel application in the brain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible for endovascular thrombectomy to treat acute large vessel occlusion
* Eligible for angioplasty (microcatheter-based balloon/mechanical and chemical angioplasty) to treat acute cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
* Subjects for whom there is likely to be enough time to obtain meaningful consent from patient or legally-authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to receive a brain MRI scan
* Known mitochondrial disease
* Hemodynamically unstable patients in whom standard of care endovascular reperfusion treatment cannot safely be performed or completed

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cerebral Ischemiaautologous mitochondrial transplantationischemic stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.