ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT07160205

Safety and Efficacy of ULSC on Disease Severity and Steroid Tapering in Participants With Dermatomyositis/ Polymyositis (DM/PM), Also Known as Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (IIM)

Record copied from ClinicalTrials.gov: Oct 10, 2026AI summaries generated: Sep 17, 2026

A Phase 2-Phase 3, Double-blinded, Randomized, Dose-repeating, Cross-over Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic ULSC on Disease Severity and Steroid Tapering in Participants With Dermatomyositis/ Polymyositis (DM/PM)

StatusRecruitingThe study is currently enrolling participants. Only the study team can say whether a particular person can join.
Study typeInterventionalA study in which researchers assign participants to one or more interventions, such as a drug, procedure, device, behavioural programme or other approach, to measure their effects.
PhasePhase 2/3A study that tests whether a treatment works while continuing to check safety, in a larger group than a phase 2 study alone. It combines the aims of phase 2 and phase 3 in one protocol.
Age18 years old and older
SexAll
LocationUnited States
AI summaryWhat this study is about, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

This randomized, double-blind crossover trial compares repeated intravenous doses of an allogeneic umbilical‑cord lining stem cell product (ULSC) with placebo in adults with dermatomyositis or polymyositis. Participants receive three infusions per treatment period, then cross over to the other treatment, and are followed after each dose. The study measures safety, changes in disease activity, and whether steroid doses can be reduced.

What it is studying. The study is testing whether repeated intravenous infusions of ULSC are safe compared with placebo and how ULSC affects disease activity in dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Researchers will measure disease activity using the Total Improvement Score (TIS) and other clinical assessments (muscle strength and endurance tests, skin scores), monitor adverse events, track need for rescue therapy, and assess steroid dose changes. Pulmonary and cardiac function and myositis antibody markers are also measured as part of the assessment.

What the researchers hope to learn. To evaluate safety of repeated IV ULSC infusions versus placebo by collecting adverse event data; to measure effects on disease activity using the Total Improvement Score and related clinical measures; to assess whether ULSC affects need for rescue therapy and allows reduction of glucocorticoid (steroid) dose; and to collect data on skin, muscle, lung, heart function, and myositis antibody markers.

What this study is about

The study's own summary, as published on ClinicalTrials.gov. Underlined terms have a short explanation.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about how an umbilical cord lining-derived stem cell (ULSC) product performs when treating Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis (DM/PM), also known as idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) in adults. It will assess safety and efficacy in relieving symptoms of DM/PM with ULSC administered in three intravenous (IV) doses of 150 million cells per dose. The main questions that this study plans to answer are:

  • Is ULSC as safe as placebo (a look-alike saline without cells) in repeated IV infusion?
  • Does ULSC improve symptoms of DM/PM after three doses? Researchers will compare ULSC to placebo and evaluate changes from baseline (before first dose) to after each dose and after all three doses are completed per treatment study period.
  • For participants undergoing steroid (e.g., prednisone) therapy for DM/PM, does ULSC allow their steroid dose to be reduced? Does ULSC reduce need for rescue therapy?

Participants will have been diagnosed with either DM or PM:

  • Diagnosed according to the EULAR/ACR 2017 Classification Criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM), which includes DM and PM.
  • Positive for myositis-associated antibody or undergone evaluation to exclude mimics.

Participants in this study will:

  • Participate for total of 25 months with 15 in-person clinic visits and 8 virtual visits on phone or video call.
  • Receive both ULSC and placebo for a total of 6 IV infusions (260 mL) 3 months apart.
  • Receive 3 doses of ULSC and 3 doses placebo in either of two sequences, as assigned: ULSC first and placebo second, or placebo first and ULSC second.
  • If undergoing steroid therapy, will have steroid dose taper prescribing lower doses starting two weeks after the second infusion.
  • Return for follow-up visits after each dose and up to 12 months after final dose.
  • Have follow-ups including self-reported questionnaires, physical exam, muscle strength and endurance tests, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and other assessments.

Interventions being studied

Being studied in this trial does not mean the treatment or procedure is approved or available for this condition.

Biological
  • ULSC (1.5 x 10^8 cells/dose)
  • Placebo (no cells)

Eligibility

The criteria exactly as listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Only the study team can say whether they apply to you.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants will be ≥18 years old.
  • Diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) based on 2017 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for adult IIM, corresponding to a score of ≥ 5.5 (≥ 6.7 with muscle biopsy).
  • Active disease as defined by any one of the following test results:
  • Elevated Creatine Kinase (CK) or Aldolase (more than 1.5 x the upper limit of normal) at screening, OR
  • MRI positive for active, muscle inflammation within 12 weeks prior to screening, OR
  • EMG read as active myositis within 12 weeks prior to screening, OR
  • muscle biopsy obtained within 12 weeks of the screening showing active inflammatory disease.
  • Muscle weakness or active cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis assessed at Screening and documented with either of the following scores:
  • Bilateral MMT-8 score of ≤142/150, OR
  • CDASI Total Activity score of ≥ 7.
  • Participants must be receiving standard of care treatment with one or more immunosuppressants or at least 5 mg prednisone (or corticosteroid equivalent).
  • Immunosuppressive doses should be stable for at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment. Participants must remain on stable immunosuppressive therapy for the duration of the trial unless discontinuation is warranted due to toxicity or another clinical reason.
  • Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) doses should be stable for at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Steroid doses should be stable for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment. At screening and enrollment, maximum dose allowed is 25 mg/day prednisone (or corticosteroid equivalent).
  • Allowed immunosuppressants include: methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, IVIG, and others to be evaluated at the discretion of the investigator.
  • Participants will either be:
  • positive for a myositis-associated antibody, OR
  • will have undergone evaluation to exclude mimics, as deemed appropriate by the Investigator.
  • Note: The minimum workup to be performed on all prospective participants to exclude mimics is as standardly followed, which may include:
  • Medical history and physical exam to determine the clinical course and progression of symptoms, the distribution of weakness, and the absence of features of myelopathy, neuropathy, neuromuscular disease, myotonic dystrophy, and congenital myopathy;
  • Elevated Creatine Kinase (CK) or Aldolase levels in blood;
  • Electromyography (EMG) and/or MRI of clinically affected 99+proximal muscle group;
  • Myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies in blood;
  • Muscle biopsy with characteristic features of IIM and excluding features of muscular dystrophy, metabolic myopathies, drug-induce myopathy, inclusion body myopathy, and necrotizing myopathy;
  • Blood tests for exclusion of HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). [Screening tests are done for HIV ELISA, HBs Ag, HBc Ab, and HCV Ab with reflex for HCV RNA (PCR) for

Exclusion criteria

  • .]
  • Adequate pulmonary function, defined as saturated oxygen (SpO2 ≥ 94%) on room air.
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 30% as assessed by echocardiogram (ECHO) or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan performed within 8 weeks prior to Screening.
  • Participants must have the ability to comply with the requirements of the study.
  • All participants of reproductive age/capacity will be required to use adequate contraception, defined as at least one form of a highly effective contraceptive (i.e., condoms, hormonal birth control, IUD), with any partners during the study period and for at least three months beyond the study period, for safety.
  • Participant will have the ability to understand and provide written informed consent.
  • The presence of any of the following criteria excludes a participant from study enrollment:
  • A diagnosis of inclusion body myositis, juvenile DM or PM, myositis in the context of significant autoimmune rheumatologic disease.
  • Diagnosis of IIM as part of an overlap syndrome (except overlap with Sjogren's syndrome).
  • Initiation of Rituxan (rituximab) treatment within 12 weeks of randomization. If participant is already on Rituxan, they must remain on a stable dose throughout the trial.
  • Use of other biologic or investigational drug within 6 half-lives for the agent.
  • Diagnosis of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease or cardiac involvement sufficient to limit participation in the trial in the discretion of the PI.
  • End-stage IIM with irreversible muscle involvement seen on biopsy.
  • Patients with predominant muscle atrophy secondary to uncontrolled or chronic DM or PM, based on clinical, biochemical, and/or radiologic assessment, despite previous optimized treatment.
  • Non-immune myopathies.
  • Cancer associated with myositis.
  • Hypersensitivity to study product components including history of hypersensitivity to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
  • Pregnant or lactating participants.
  • Concomitant severe cardiac, pulmonary disease, active infection, or other conditions that preclude assessment of safety and efficacy of the study product.
  • Anticipated need for surgery during the trial period.
  • A history of prevalent noncompliance with medical therapy.
  • Recipient of an organ transplant.
  • Neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count <1,800/mm\^3 (or <1,000/mm\^3 in African-American participants)].
  • Severe impairment in renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/kg*min).
  • Recent or planned use of vaccination with live attenuated viruses.
  • Active cancer or prior diagnosis of cancer within the past 2 years, except non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ of cervix Potential participants diagnosed with IIM <3 years before screening will have mandatory evaluation for cancer.
  • Participants with current or prior hepatitis B infection that could be at risk for reactivation. [For eligibility, screening test results must be HBsAg (DNA) negative and anti-HBc (core antibody total) negative).]
  • Participant with HIV or active Hepatitis C. [For eligibility, the following screening tests must have negative or non-reactive results: HIV ELISA, HCV Ab with reflex for HCV RNA (PCR); if HCV Ab test is positive, exclude if HCV RNA (PCR) is positive.]
  • Condition that would impair an assessment of muscle strength, including neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or severe musculoskeletal condition.
  • Any other condition that, in the judgment of the Investigator or Sponsor, would be a contraindication to enrollment, study product administration, or follow-up.

Study description and what participation involves

The registry record has no detailed description beyond the summary above.

AI summaryWhat participation may involve, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

Participants take part for about 25 months with 15 in-person clinic visits and 8 remote visits. They receive six intravenous infusions (three ULSC doses and three placebo doses, 260 mL each) given about 3 months apart in a crossover sequence so each person gets both ULSC and placebo. Visits include questionnaires, physical exams, repeated muscle strength and endurance tests, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), and other assessments; steroid dose changes (a taper) are prescribed for those on corticosteroids starting two weeks after the second infusion. Follow-up continues up to 12 months after the final infusion.

How the study is structured. A randomized, quadruple‑masked (double‑blind plus blinded study staff), crossover trial. Each participant receives three IV infusions of one treatment (ULSC or placebo) spaced about three months apart, then after a short interval crosses over to receive three infusions of the other treatment. Dosing uses 1.5 × 10^8 ULSC cells per infusion (ULSC supplied as a thawed, cryopreserved product in saline); placebo is a saline vehicle. Participants have multiple clinic and virtual visits and are followed after each dose and up to 12 months after the final infusion.

Questions you could ask

These questions are suggestions for a conversation with the study team or your own clinician, not advice.

  • Some participants receive a placebo. How is that decided, and what happens for placebo-group participants when the study ends?
  • The listed sites are in United States. Is any of them reachable for me, and does the study help with travel?
  • Which of the eligibility criteria would need to be checked with tests before I could join?

More on dermatomyositis

This trial is also listed on this site under polymyositis.

Important dates

Study start
Jan 6, 2026
Primary completion
September 2028 (estimated)
Study completion
August 2029 (estimated)
Target enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Last updated on registry
Apr 27, 2026
Data verified
Oct 10, 2026

Sponsor and research team

The lead sponsor funds and oversees the trial. A pharmaceutical or biotech company sponsor typically means the study is testing that company's drug or device; a hospital, university, or government agency usually indicates investigator-initiated or publicly funded research.

Lead sponsor
Restem, LLC.

Central study contact

If you're interested in participating, the central contact can answer general questions about the study — including eligibility requirements and how to find a recruiting site near you. Actual eligibility is determined by the site's medical team.

Participating sites (2)

Terms used on this page · explanations by MedicalUpdates.ai

placebo
A treatment that looks like the study treatment but contains no active ingredient. Some participants receive it instead of the study treatment, usually without knowing which they got.
baseline
Measurements taken at the start of the study, before any study treatment, so that later results can be compared with them.
prednisone
Steroid medicines, such as prednisone, that reduce inflammation. Studies often require a stable dose at entry or measure whether the study treatment allows the dose to be reduced.
follow-up
The period after treatment or enrolment during which participants are observed or contacted, for example to record side effects or outcomes.
biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. 'Biopsy-proven' or 'histologically confirmed' means the diagnosis was confirmed by examining tissue under a microscope.
upper limit of normal
The highest value of a blood test that a laboratory considers normal. Criteria such as '≤ 3 × ULN' mean the result must be no more than three times that value.
at screening
The checks done before enrolment to see whether a person qualifies, such as tests, scans or a review of medical history.
MRI
A scan that uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Some implants and metal objects mean a person cannot have one.
standard of care
Treatment generally considered appropriate for a condition in a particular clinical setting. It can vary by patient, place and over time. In many studies the new treatment is added to, or compared with, standard of care.
immunosuppressants
A medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system. Studies of autoimmune conditions often require a stable dose, a prior failure, or a washout of such medicines.
enrollment
The number of participants a study plans to include, or has included. 'Estimated' means the planned number; 'actual' means the number who joined.
Hydroxychloroquine
A medicine used for some autoimmune conditions. It appears in eligibility criteria when a study requires or excludes its use.
echocardiogram
An ultrasound scan of the heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram is done through a probe passed into the food pipe for a closer view.
written informed consent
The process of explaining a study, including its risks and what participation involves, so that a person can decide freely whether to take part. Consent is usually documented in writing, and a participant can choose to leave the study later.
randomization
Participants are assigned to the study groups by chance, like a coin toss, rather than chosen by the doctor or the participant. This is done so the groups are comparable.
stable dose
A dose that has not changed for a defined period before the study starts. Studies may require this so that background treatment is relatively stable when study measurements begin.
investigational drug
A treatment that is being tested and has not been approved for this use. It may be approved for a different condition. Being studied does not mean it works or is available outside the study.
half-lives
The time it takes for the amount of a drug in the body to fall by half. 'Five half-lives' is often used as the point at which a previous drug has essentially left the body.
absolute neutrophil count
The number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, in a blood sample. Studies often require it to be above a set level.
estimated glomerular filtration rate
A blood-test estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering. Lower numbers mean reduced kidney function; many studies set a minimum value.
Sponsor
The organisation or person that initiates the study and has authority over it. The sponsor may be a company, hospital, university, government agency or individual, and is not necessarily the organisation that funds the study.
contraindication
A reason a particular test or treatment should not be used for a person, for example a metal implant that rules out an MRI scan.
Inclusion Criteria
The conditions a person must meet to be considered for the study, for example a confirmed diagnosis, an age range or a test result.
exclusion criteria
The conditions that rule a person out even if they meet the inclusion criteria, for example other illnesses, certain medicines or pregnancy.

The study record on this page is reproduced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, where it was submitted by the study sponsor. MedicalUpdates.ai does not own this content, is not affiliated with or endorsed by ClinicalTrials.gov, NIH, or the U.S. Government, and does not verify the record. Plain-language notes, the glossary and the questions above are added by this site; text in the boxes marked "AI summary" was written by an AI model and may contain errors. Registry records change over time. Check the original record for the current version and discuss eligibility or participation with a qualified healthcare professional.

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