Recruiting

Testing new stem cell implants for Parkinson's disease

Plain-English translation of NCT06753331 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 1/2 — A combined trial that checks safety and dosing while also starting to look at whether the treatment works.

What is this trial?

This is an early-stage study testing a new treatment called DSP-1083, which uses specially grown stem cells that produce dopamine — a chemical the brain needs to control movement. Researchers will surgically implant these cells into the brains of people with Parkinson's disease who aren't getting enough relief from their current medications. The study will watch closely for safety and see whether the implanted cells help reduce Parkinson's symptoms over time.

Standard Parkinson's medications work well for some people but lose effectiveness over time for others, leaving many patients with inadequate symptom control. This medication represents a completely different approach — replacing lost brain cells rather than just masking symptoms — which could potentially offer longer-lasting relief.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 72 years old
you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least 4 years
your current Parkinson's medications are not controlling your symptoms well enough, even after optimization
you show a meaningful response to levodopa (a standard Parkinson's drug), confirming your dopamine system can still function
you experience clear differences between your 'on' and 'off' medication states

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a Parkinson's-like condition that is actually a different disease (such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies)
you have other significant brain diseases or abnormalities, including tumors, prior brain hemorrhage, or Alzheimer's disease
you have cognitive impairment, dementia, or significant psychiatric symptoms that could affect your ability to participate safely
you have received previous surgical brain treatments for Parkinson's, such as deep brain stimulation or gene therapy
you have severe involuntary movements (dyskinesia) that would make surgery too risky

What participation looks like

You will undergo brain surgery to receive implantation of the new stem cells (or sham surgery if randomly assigned to the control group). The first participant will have two separate surgeries about 28 weeks apart on one side of the brain, while all other participants will have one surgery implanting cells on both sides. You'll then be followed closely for about 2 years with regular visits, brain imaging scans, and symptom assessments to monitor safety and whether the treatment is helping your Parkinson's symptoms.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 25, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky

New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York