Topical PRP vs PRP injection for smell disorders
Official title: Carrier-Assisted Topical Application Versus Intranasal Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Olfactory Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan · NCT07151703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether topical PRP applied with a carrier or PRP delivered by injection into the nasal area can improve smell in adults with long-standing olfactory dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07151703 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-80 with hyposmia or anosmia persisting for more than 3 months despite standardized olfactory training.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with congenital anosmia, certain neurological or structural brain disorders, or those unable to comply with follow-up may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, Phase 3 trial compares two delivery methods of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for persistent olfactory dysfunction in adults. Participants receive a single PRP treatment by either intranasal injection or carrier-assisted topical application to the olfactory cleft, followed by three months of daily olfactory training and pre/post smell testing. The study will evaluate changes in olfactory function and patient comfort, along with adverse effects. PRP is prepared on-site to achieve a platelet concentration 2-3 times above baseline. The trial aims to determine which method provides greater efficacy and tolerability in restoring odor function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a more effective or comfortable PRP delivery method to improve smell function in patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Prior smaller studies suggest PRP may help olfactory function, but the optimal delivery method remains unestablished, making this trial novel in its direct comparison.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 80 years, regardless of sex * Subjective complaint of olfactory dysfunction with confirmed hyposmia or anosmia based on standardized olfactory testing * History of at least 3 months of prior olfactory training but with persistent olfactory complaints Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital anosmia * Diagnosed neurological or structural brain abnormalities (e.g., brain tumor, major head trauma, stroke) with low likelihood of olfactory recovery * Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures or follow-up assessments
Where it's running
-
Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr. Yun-Ting Chao Principal Investigator (Attending Physician and Head of Dep.), PhD
- Email: yunting001@gmail.com
- Phone: 886-2-2875-7337
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.