Breathing in stem cells to help repair damaged lungs in COPD

Plain-English translation of NCT06986070 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 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.

This is one of the first times this treatment has been tested in people.

What is this trial?

This is the first study in humans testing a new treatment called Small Mobile (SMS). The treatment is delivered using a medical nebulizer machine — the same kind used to deliver asthma or breathing medications — so you simply breathe in a mist containing the . Researchers want to see if this approach is safe and whether it might help your lungs heal.

COPD causes permanent damage to the lungs that current medicines cannot fully repair. This trial explores whether , which have the potential to regenerate tissue, could offer a new way to help people with COPD breathe better and live fuller lives.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 39 and 69 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD and have received treatment for it before
your COPD has been stable for at least 12 weeks — meaning no flare-ups, no hospital visits, and no medication changes in that time
you are willing and able to stop smoking during the study and follow-up period
if you are a woman of childbearing age, you are using reliable contraception and have a negative pregnancy test

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with other types of COPD, asthma, heart failure, or other serious lung conditions like tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis
you have had severe respiratory failure or lung scarring from other causes
you had COVID-related pneumonia with severe breathing problems in the past 12 weeks
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use contraception during the study

What participation looks like

You will visit the clinic on days 1, 4, and 8 to receive the study treatment via nebulizer — each session takes about 10 to 15 minutes and involves breathing in mist from a mouthpiece. You will be assigned to one of three groups that receive different doses, starting with the lowest dose for safety reasons. After your first treatment, you'll come back for check-ups over about 4 weeks, and the research team will follow up with you again 3 to 6 months later. In total, you'll be actively involved in the study for 5 to 6 weeks.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Australia

Veritus Research, Bayswater, Victoria

Doherty Clinical Trials Limited, Melbourne, Victoria