Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 to 65

iPSC-derived motor neuron progenitor cell therapy for subacute spinal cord injury

Official title: A Phase I Clinical Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Human Allogeneic Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived Motor Neuron Progenitor Cells (XS228 Cell Injection) in Patients With Subacute Spinal Cord Injury

Run by XellSmart Bio-Pharmaceutical (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. · NCT06976229 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether XS228 (iPSC-derived motor neuron progenitor cells) is safe and tolerable for adults 18–65 with recent (14–60 day) cervical to lumbar traumatic spinal cord injuries classified AIS A–C.

More Spinal Cord Injury trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment12 (estimated)
SponsorXellSmart Bio-Pharmaceutical (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 2, 2025
Main results expectedFebruary 21, 2028
Study endsMay 30, 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT06976229 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18–65 with traumatic cervical (C4) to lumbar (L2) spinal cord injury occurring 14–60 days earlier, classified as AIS A, B, or C, who can provide informed consent and comply with visits are the intended candidates.

Probably not a fit

People with chronic injuries beyond 60 days, severe traumatic brain injury that prevents neurological assessment, unstable respiratory or circulatory status, or inability to use effective contraception are unlikely to benefit from participation.

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

What this trial studies

This Phase I interventional trial administers allogeneic iPSC-derived motor neuron progenitor cells (XS228) to adults in the subacute phase of traumatic spinal cord injury. The primary goal is to monitor safety and tolerability after cell administration, with regular neurological exams, imaging, and adverse event surveillance. Exploratory measures will look for early signals of efficacy such as motor or sensory changes. Participants are enrolled based on defined AIS grades and timing since injury and must be able to comply with study procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, XS228 could help protect or replace damaged motor neurons and improve motor recovery after subacute spinal cord injury.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical animal studies of iPSC-derived motor neuron and other stem-cell progenitors have shown functional improvements, but clinical experience with iPSC-derived motor neuron progenitors in humans remains very limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age: 18 to 65 years (inclusive), regardless of gender.

Etiology: Cervical (C4) to lumbar (L2) spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by traumatic injury or surgery-related factors.

Severity:

Classified as ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) Grades A, B, or C. MRI-confirmed evidence of spinal cord injury.

Disease Stage:

Primary SCI occurring 14 to 60 days prior to screening (subacute phase).

Contraception:

Participants of childbearing potential (male and female) must agree to use effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods during the trial and for 6 months after trial completion.

Compliance:

Voluntarily participate in the clinical study. Ability to understand and comply with study procedures. Participant or legal guardian can provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological Inability

Primary spinal cord injury (SCI) during screening with concomitant severe traumatic brain injury precluding neurological function assessment.

Respiratory/Circulatory Instability

High cervical SCI (C1-C3) causing respiratory/circulatory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy.

Life-Threatening Multiorgan Dysfunction

Concurrent severe injuries to other organ systems with life-threatening dysfunction.

Unstable Thoracoabdominal Injuries

Injuries to lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, etc., deemed unstable by the investigator.

Prior Spinal Pathology

History of SCI or coexisting spinal disorders (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, spinal deformities, primary/metastatic spinal tumors, spinal vascular malformations, syringomyelia).

Local Infection/Increased ICP

Active infection at the lumbar puncture site or intracranial hypertension during screening.

Severe Infections

Sepsis, septic shock, or severe pneumonia (per IDSA/ATS 2007 diagnostic criteria).

Confounding Neurological/Psychiatric Conditions

Parkinson's disease, severe dementia, myasthenia gravis, stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, or other conditions interfering with study assessments.

Cardiac Abnormalities (any of the following):

Congestive heart failure (NYHA Class III/IV). Severe uncontrolled arrhythmias (e.g., sick sinus syndrome, third-degree AV block).

Unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction within 3 months prior. Pulmonary Complications

Pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, or suspected embolism during screening.

Uncontrolled Hypertension/Hypotension

Systolic BP \>160 mmHg or diastolic BP \>100 mmHg; or systolic BP \<90 mmHg or diastolic BP \<60 mmHg.

Active Autoimmune Diseases

Requiring immunosuppressants (e.g., uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus).

Immunosuppressant Non-Compliance

Unwillingness or inability to use immunosuppressants per protocol.

Laboratory Abnormalities (any of the following):

ALT/AST \>2×ULN or total bilirubin \>2×ULN. eGFR \<60 mL/min/1.73m² (CKD-EPI 2021 formula). APTT/PT \>2.5×ULN (without anticoagulants). Platelets \<100×10⁹/L or hemoglobin \<90 g/L. Allergy

History of severe allergies or hypersensitivity to trial drug/excipients (human albumin, lactated Ringer's solution).

Infectious Diseases

HBsAg+ with HBV DNA \>1000 IU/mL; HCV-Ab+; HIV-Ab+; or TP-Ab+. Lumbar Puncture Refusal

Unwillingness to undergo intrathecal administration procedures. Pregnancy/Lactation

Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Malignancy

Active malignancy or anticancer therapy within 5 years prior. Recent Clinical Trial Participation

Enrollment in another drug trial within 3 months prior. Investigator Discretion

Any condition deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator.

Where it's running

  • The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Limin Rong, prof and M.D — Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University
  • Study coordinator: Michael LEE
  • Email: CEO@xellsmart.com
  • Phone: +86 21 64027719

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.