HB-adMSCs vs Placebo for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 2, Efficacy and Safety Cross-Over Study of Allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs Placebo for the Treatment of Oligoarticular and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, AB/BA cross-over study with a washout period of 12 weeks.

Treatment Duration: 8 weeks per group

General Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of multiple intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs by improving signs and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in this subject population.

Number of Subjects: 66 (6 subjects in Cohort 1 and 60 subjects in Cohort 2)

Indication: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Study Overview

• Status: Withdrawn
• Conditions: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
• Intervention / Treatment: Biological: allogeneic Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Other: Normal Saline Solution 0.9%

Detailed Description

Primary Objectives:

• To assess the safety of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by the incidence of adverse events or serious adverse events. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 72).
• To investigate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in ACR Pedi 30 scores. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).

Secondary Objectives

• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in ACR Pedi 50 scores. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).
• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in ACR Pedi 70 scores. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).
• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in CRP values. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).
• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in ESR values. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).
• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo in patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as determined by improvements in Peds QL scores. (Time Frame: Week 0 to Week 52 for Group AB and Week 0 to Week 72 for Group BA).

• Study Type: Interventional
• Phase: Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Texas
    • Sugar Land, Texas, United States, 77478
      • Hope Biosciences Research Foundation

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

The subject will be eligible for inclusion in this clinical trial only if all of the following criteria apply:

1. Male and female subjects who are ≥ 2 years old and < 17 years old.

   a.The first 6 subjects enrolled must be ≥ 12 years old and < 17 years old

2. Must be diagnosed with Oligoarticular or Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis by a Pediatric Rheumatologist.
3. Must have rheumatoid factor (RF) factor test result documented in medical records.
4. Must have at least 3 affected joints at the screening visit.
5. Must have a body weight of > 10 kg at the screening visit.
6. Subjects without a current established treatment for JIA who are not on treatment because they have failed at least 2 approved medications for their condition, or if being treated, subjects who are on a stable dose of arthritis therapy regimen for ≥3 months prior to screening.
7. Must have an abnormal CRP result and/or abnormal ESR result at screening. Abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP) value defined as > 1 mg/dL. Abnormal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) value defined as >15 mm/hr for males and >20 mm/hr for females.

8. Female study subjects of childbearing potential should not be pregnant or plan to become pregnant during study participation and for 6 months after the last investigational product administration. Female study subjects of childbearing potential must confirm usage of one of the following contraceptive measures:

   • Hormonal contraceptives associated with ovulation inhibition (oral, injectable, implantable, patch, or intravaginal).
   • Intrauterine device (IUD), or intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS).
   • Barrier contraceptive methods (condoms, diaphragm, etc.).

9. Male subjects if their sexual partners can become pregnant should ensure the use one of the following methods of contraception during study participation and for 6 months after the last administration of the investigated product.

   • Hormonal contraceptives associated with ovulation inhibition (oral, injectable, implantable, patch, or intravaginal).
   • Intrauterine device (IUD), or intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS).
   • Barrier contraceptive methods (condoms, diaphragm, etc.).
10. Study subject's parent(s)/LAR is/are able and willing to comply with the requirements of this clinical trial.
11. Voluntarily signed informed consent from study subjects' parent(s) or legally authorized representative obtained before any clinical-trial related procedures are performed.

Exclusion Criteria:

The subject will not be eligible for inclusion in this clinical trial if any of the following criteria apply:

1. Study subject has any of the following laboratory results at the screening visit:

   1. WBC: <3000 cells/μL OR >15000 cells/μL (<3 K cells/μL or >15 K cells/μL)
   2. Hemoglobin: <8 g/dL
   3. Absolute Neutrophil Count: <1500 cells/μL
   4. Platelet: <150000 cells/μL (<150 K cells/μL)
   5. Sodium: <120 mEq/L OR >150 mEq/L
   6. Glucose: >150 mg/dL
   7. Potassium: <3.5 mEq/L OR >6 mEq/L
   8. BUN: >25 mg/dL
   9. Creatinine: >2 mg/dL
   10. BUN/Creatinine ratio: >50
   11. AST: >100 U/L
   12. ALT: >100 U/L
2. Study participant has any vital sign abnormalities at the screening visit as determined by the investigator.

3. Study subject has 1 or more significant uncontrolled concurrent medical conditions (verified by medical records), including the following:

   1. Diabetes Mellitus
   2. Crohn's Disease
   3. Lupus
   4. Multiple Sclerosis
4. Study subject has any active malignancy, including evidence of cutaneous basal, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.
5. Study subject has known alcoholic addiction or dependency or has current substance use or abuse.
6. Study subject has received any stem cell treatment within 1 year before first dose of investigational product other than stem cells produced by Hope Biosciences LLC.
7. Receiving any investigational therapy or any approved therapy for investigational use within 1 year prior first dose of the investigational product other than COVID-19 vaccines.
8. Study subject has any other laboratory abnormality or medical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, poses a safety risk or will prevent the subject from completing the study.
9. Study subject's parent(s)/LAR unable to understand and provide signed informed consent.
10. Study subject and/or study subject's parent(s)/LAR unlikely to complete the study or adhere to the study procedures.
11. Study subject with known concurrent acute or chronic viral hepatis B or C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
12. Study subject with any systemic infection requiring treatment with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals within 30 days prior to first dose of the investigational product.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Cohort 2: Group AB; Cohort 2 - Group AB will receive allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) at study weeks 0, 4, and 8. Then, Group AB will receive placebo (Sterile Saline Solution 0.9%) at weeks 20, 24, and 28 after a washout period of 12 weeks between active treatment and placebo.	Biological: allogeneic Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Product: Allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells) Dose determined by body weight: 50 million cells in 50mL saline: ≥ 10 kg to < 22 kg; 100 million cells in 100mL saline: ≥ 22 kg to < 45 kg; 200 million cells in 250mL saline: ≥ 45 kg Route: Intravenous Regimen: Weeks 0, 4, and 8 (Cohort 1: Group A and Cohort 2: Group AB) or Weeks 20, 24, and 28 (Cohort 2: Group BA); Other: Normal Saline Solution 0.9%; Product: Normal Saline Solution 0.9% Route: Intravenous Regimen: Weeks 0, 4, and 8 (Cohort 2: Group BA) or Weeks 20, 24, and 28 (Cohort 2: Group AB)
Experimental: Cohort 2: Group BA; Cohort 2 - Group BA will receive placebo (Sterile Saline Solution 0.9%) at study weeks 0, 4, and 8. Then, Group BA will receive allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) at weeks 20, 24, and 28 after a washout period of 12 weeks between placebo and active treatment.	Biological: allogeneic Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Product: Allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells) Dose determined by body weight: 50 million cells in 50mL saline: ≥ 10 kg to < 22 kg; 100 million cells in 100mL saline: ≥ 22 kg to < 45 kg; 200 million cells in 250mL saline: ≥ 45 kg Route: Intravenous Regimen: Weeks 0, 4, and 8 (Cohort 1: Group A and Cohort 2: Group AB) or Weeks 20, 24, and 28 (Cohort 2: Group BA); Other: Normal Saline Solution 0.9%; Product: Normal Saline Solution 0.9% Route: Intravenous Regimen: Weeks 0, 4, and 8 (Cohort 2: Group BA) or Weeks 20, 24, and 28 (Cohort 2: Group AB)
Experimental: Cohort 1: Group A; Cohort 1 - Group A will receive allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) at study weeks 0, 4, and 8.	Biological: allogeneic Hope Biosciences adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells; Product: Allogeneic HB-adMSCs (Hope Biosciences adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells) Dose determined by body weight: 50 million cells in 50mL saline: ≥ 10 kg to < 22 kg; 100 million cells in 100mL saline: ≥ 22 kg to < 45 kg; 200 million cells in 250mL saline: ≥ 45 kg Route: Intravenous Regimen: Weeks 0, 4, and 8 (Cohort 1: Group A and Cohort 2: Group AB) or Weeks 20, 24, and 28 (Cohort 2: Group BA)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Clinically significant changes in ACR Pedi 30	Changes from Baseline in ACR Pedi 30 in patients	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA
Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).	Treatment-emergent adverse events are defined as any adverse events which occur after the first infusion with HB-adMSCs up to the week 12 visit for Group AB or the week 32 visit for group BA.	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs).	Incidence of serious Adverse Events (SAEs)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Incidence and risk of AEs of particular interest (serious or nonserious)	Incidence and risk of AEs of particular interest (serious or nonserious), including thromboembolic events, infections, and hypersensitivities.	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (x10^3 Cells/uL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (x10^3 Cells/uL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% of WBC)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% of WBC)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (pg)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (pg)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (g/dL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (g/dL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (fL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (fL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (x10^6 Cells/uL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (x10^6 Cells/uL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% Difference in Volume and Size of RBC)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% Difference in Volume and Size of RBC)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% of Total Blood Cell Count)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Complete Blood Count (% of Total Blood Cell Count)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (g/dL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (g/dL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (Ratio of Albumin to Calc. Globulin)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (Ratio of Albumin to Calc. Globulin)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (U/L)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (U/L)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mg/dL)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mg/dL)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mEq/L)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mEq/L)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mL/Min/1.73m^2)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (mL/Min/1.73m^2)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (Ratio of Calc BUN/Creatinine)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (Ratio of Calc BUN/Creatinine)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Coagulation Panel (Seconds)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Coagulation Panel (Seconds)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Coagulation Panel (Ratio of Prothrombin Time/Mean Prothrombin Time)	Clinically significant changes from Baseline in laboratory values results - Coagulation Panel (Ratio of Prothrombin Time/Mean Prothrombin Time)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - Respiratory Rate (Breaths per minute)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in Respiratory Rate (Breaths per minute)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - Heart Rate (Breaths per minute)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in Heart Rate (Breaths per minute)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - Body Temperature (Celsius)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in Body Temperature (Celsius)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Changes from Baseline in Vital Signs - SPO2 (%)	Clinically significant changes from baseline in SPO2 (%)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Clinically significant changes in weight results (in kg)	Changes from Baseline in weight results in patients (in kg)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Abdomen	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Abdomen	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Cardiovascular	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Cardiovascular	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Lymph Node	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Lymph Node	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Musculoskeletal	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Musculoskeletal	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Neurological	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Neurological	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Respiratory	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Respiratory	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72
Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Skin	Number of participants with abnormal physical examination results - Skin	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 72

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Clinically significant changes in ACR Pedi 50	Changes from Baseline in ACR Pedi 50 in patients	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA
Clinically significant changes in ACR Pedi 70	Changes from Baseline in ACR Pedi 70 in patients	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA
Clinically significant changes in PedsQL	Changes from Baseline in PedsQL in patients	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA
Clinically significant changes in C-reactive protein values (mg/L)	Changes from Baseline in C-reactive protein values in patients (mg/L)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA
Clinically significant changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate values (mm/h)	Changes from Baseline in erythrocyte sedimentation rate values in patients (mm/h)	Baseline (Week 0) up to Week 52 for Group AB or Week 72 for Group BA

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Hope Biosciences Research Foundation
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Thanh Cheng, MD, Hope Biosciences Research Foundation

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: September 30, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 1, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): October 2, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 7, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 5, 2026
• Last Verified: January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: JIA; arthritis; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; juvenile arthritis; polyarticular; oligoarticular; polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis; oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Connective Tissue Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Arthritis; Arthritis, Juvenile; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Crystalloid Solutions; Isotonic Solutions; Solutions; Saline Solution
• Other Study ID Numbers: HBJIA01

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No