Recruiting

Stem Cell Transplant for Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Plain-English translation of NCT06482268 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This is an early-stage trial testing a new treatment called CT1-DAP001, which involves transplanting human stem cells that have been specially developed to produce dopamine (a chemical the brain needs) directly into a specific area of the brain. Researchers will monitor whether this procedure is safe and whether it helps reduce Parkinson's symptoms in people whose current medications aren't working well enough.

Parkinson's disease causes a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, and standard medications don't work adequately for all patients. This trial explores whether replacing those cells through transplantation could offer a new way to manage symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been clinically diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least 5 years
you are between 40 and 75 years old
your current Parkinson's medications are not controlling your symptoms well enough
you show a clear response to levodopa (a common Parkinson's medication), demonstrating you still have the ability to benefit from dopamine-related treatments
you have stable organ function and healthy blood counts as shown by recent lab tests
you are willing to use effective birth control and follow the study protocol carefully

You likely don't qualify if…

you have atypical parkinsonism or conditions that look like Parkinson's but aren't
you have dementia or a high risk of developing dementia
you have active infections including hepatitis B or C, HIV, or other serious infections
you have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications that cannot be managed safely
you have an abnormal brain scan showing other brain diseases or conditions

What participation looks like

You would undergo brain surgery to have the stem cell transplant placed into a specific area of your brain called the corpus striatum while under general anesthesia. After the surgery, you would need to take immunosuppressive medications (like tacrolimus) to prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted cells. You would return for multiple follow-up visits over time so doctors can monitor your safety, watch for any side effects, and assess whether your Parkinson's symptoms improve.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California