Treatment of anal fistulas using stem cells

Pilot Study on the Treatment of Anal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease Patients Using Alofisel Versus Fat Autologous Stem Cells

Observational Nantes University Hospital · NCT05974280

This study is testing if a new stem cell treatment can help people with complex anal fistulas caused by Crohn's disease feel better after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNantes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nantes)
Trial IDNCT05974280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of ALOFISEL®, a cell therapy using allogeneic human adult mesenchymal stem cells, in treating complex anal fistulas associated with Crohn's disease. Patients scheduled for perianal surgery will be enrolled, with one receiving the treatment and the other serving as a backup. The study will involve clinical evaluations immediately after surgery and six months later, including MRI assessments to monitor treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with complex anal fistulas related to Crohn's disease who have not responded to conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hypersensitivity to the treatment components will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new effective option for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat anal fistulas.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored stem cell therapies for similar conditions, showing promising results, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Complex anal fistula with the following criteria: - Inactive/slightly active luminal Crohn's disease under conventional treatment or biotherapy MRI has demonstrated effective drainage. Maximum of two internal orifices and three external orifices; persists despite internal orifice(s) closing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Patients hypersensitive to the product, bovine serum or any of the excipients of Alofisel
* Vulnerable persons: deprived of liberty, under guardianship, under curatorship, etc.

Where this trial is running

Nantes

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 Crohn DiseaseAnal Fistula
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.