STEM-PD

STEM-PD is an investigational advanced therapy medicinal product (ATIMP) consisting of cryopreserved, off-the-shelf dopaminergic neural progenitor cells derived from the RC17 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line. It is being developed as a cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), aiming to replace lost nigral dopaminergic neurons by engrafting progenitor cells into the putamen (intraputamenal transplantation) to restore dopaminergic innervation to the striatum. Originally developed through a research collaboration between Lund University and the University of Cambridge, the program was funded and advanced into clinical trials by Novo Nordisk. In May 2026, Cellular Intelligence (operating under Somite Therapeutics) acquired the global rights to the STEM-PD program from Novo Nordisk. STEM-PD is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT05635409) in patients with moderate Parkinson's disease, and has received FDA Fast Track designation.

Other names

STEM-PD productSTEM-PD cells