Using stem cells to treat chronic kidney disease

Safety and Tolerability of Vertebral Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSC) in Real World Scenarios of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Observational Mayo Clinic · NCT06752577

This study is testing whether a single infusion of stem cells can be safely given to people with chronic kidney disease to see how well they tolerate it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Jacksonville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06752577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Participants will receive a single intravenous infusion of BM-MSCs and will be monitored for safety outcomes over time. The study focuses on a real-world population with CKD, specifically targeting those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 ml/min/1.73m². Follow-up assessments will help determine the treatment's safety profile in this patient group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults with chronic kidney disease and an eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73m².

Not a fit: Patients requiring ongoing kidney replacement therapy or those with a history of solid organ transplantation are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with chronic kidney disease, potentially improving kidney function and overall health.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of stem cells in kidney disease is an emerging field, this specific approach has not been extensively tested in prior studies, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Age \>18 years
* Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 mL/min/1.73m2
* Hemoglobin A1c ≤9%, if diabetes mellitus present
* If kidney transplant recipient, must have eGFR\<60 mL/min/1.73m2 and evidence of progressive kidney function loss over ≥6 months
* Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Anemia (hemoglobin \<8.5 g/dL)
* Body weight \>150 kg or BMI \>50
* Uncontrolled hypertension: sustained systolic blood pressure (SBP) \>160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥100 mmHg despite maximal doses of at least 2 different classes of anti-hypertensive medications
* Chronic hypotension history: sustained SBP \<85 mmHg
* Kidney failure requiring ongoing kidney replacement therapy including hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
* Active, high-dose immunosuppression therapy (e.g. chronic prednisone ≥20 mg daily)
* Solid organ transplantation history; excluding kidney transplant
* Active treatment for acute cellular rejection, in kidney transplant recipients
* Recent cardiovascular event (hospitalization for myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure (NYHA class ≥III or ejection fraction ≤30%) within 3 months or uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. ventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular tachycardia and bradyarrhythmia)
* History of liver cirrhosis
* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma requiring daily medication
* History of recurring blood clotting disorder (thromboembolism: pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis) requiring chronic anticoagulation therapy
* Pregnancy
* Unwilling to use contraception for at least 2 months after MSC infusion if sexually active and able to become pregnant or father a child.
* Active malignancy
* Active infection (e.g. systemic or specific organ involvement such as pneumonia or osteomyelitis; in kidney transplant recipients, active BK nephropathy)
* Recent COVID-19 infection, within the last 1 month
* History of hepatitis B or C (without cure), or HIV infection
* History of allergic reaction to cellular products (i.e. blood transfusions, platelets)
* Active tobacco use
* Illicit drug use and excessive alcohol use
* Presence of psychosocial issues (e.g., uncontrolled mental illness, unpredictable childcare or eldercare responsibilities, irregular/ inflexible work schedule) that may interfere with the ability to complete all study procedures
* Anticipating prolonged travel or other physical restrictions that would prohibit return for scheduled study visits.
* Inability to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Jacksonville, Florida

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 Chronic Kidney DiseasesKidney Transplantstem cellsregenerative medicinemesenchymal stromal cellskidney diseasekidney failurediabetic kidney disease
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.