Recruiting

Stem cell injections to reduce brain inflammation in early Alzheimer's disease

Plain-English translation of NCT06775964 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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 trial is testing autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (adMSCs)—cells taken from your own fat tissue and infused back into your bloodstream—as a potential treatment for early Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe these cells may help reduce inflammation in the brain and slow down cognitive decline. The study will enroll 12 participants and monitor safety, tolerability, and whether the treatment reduces brain inflammation over a 13-week period.

Most current Alzheimer's treatments only manage symptoms, and recent antibody drugs that reduce amyloid buildup have shown only modest effects on cognitive decline. Research suggests that brain inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's progression, making it a promising target for new therapies. This medication may offer a multi-targeted approach by reducing inflammation, lowering amyloid activity, and potentially promoting new brain cell growth—offering hope for a fundamentally different way to treat the disease.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 60 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with late pre-symptomatic or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease
you have evidence of Alzheimer's pathology on brain imaging (MRI or PET scan) or spinal fluid tests
you have signs of inflammation in your blood (elevated markers like CRP, IL-6, or TNF-α)
you are generally in good health with no other serious medical or neurological conditions
you speak English fluently, as cognitive tests are given in English only

You likely don't qualify if…

you have other conditions affecting cognition (such as traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis)
you are unwilling or unable to undergo brain imaging (MRI, PET scans) or spinal taps
you have a history of cancer in the past 5 years, severe heart disease, kidney or liver problems, or autoimmune disease
you have tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or syphilis
you are a woman who is pregnant or could become pregnant

What participation looks like

You would receive four intravenous infusions of stem cells over 13 weeks. Before and during the study, you'll undergo cognitive testing, blood tests, brain imaging (MRI and/or PET scans), and possibly a spinal tap to measure inflammation markers and assess how your brain is responding. The study will monitor your safety closely and track whether the treatment reduces brain inflammation and helps slow cognitive changes.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas