Using stem cells from umbilical cords to treat non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy

Safety of Cultured Allogeneic Adult Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Non-arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Phase 1 Interventional The Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine · NCT05147701

This study is testing if using stem cells from umbilical cords can help people with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy improve their vision and overall eye health.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorThe Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (St John's and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05147701 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the safety and efficacy of cultured allogeneic adult umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) delivered intravenously and via sub-tenon injection for patients with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Participants will receive a total dose of 100 million cells and will be monitored for safety and efficacy at various intervals over a period of 48 months. For patients with more severe conditions, an additional treatment using their own activated lymphocytes will be provided. The study aims to gather comprehensive data on the potential benefits of stem cell therapy for this eye condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy who are willing to provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with active infections, cancers, or other serious medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using stem cells for eye diseases have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of NAION (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy)
* Understanding and willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active infection
* Active cancer
* Chronic multisystem organ failure
* Pregnancy
* Clinically significant Abnormalities on pre-treatment laboratory evaluation
* Medical condition that would (based on the opinion of the investigator) compromise patient's safety.
* Continued drug abuse
* Pre-menopausal women not using contraception
* Previous organ transplant
* Hypersensitivity to sulfur

Where this trial is running

St John's and 1 other locations

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 Eye DiseasesRetinitis PigmentosaDiabetic RetinopathyMacular DegenerationTraumatic Optic NeuropathyOptic Atrophystem cell treatment
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.