Prof. Liem and team published back-to-back clinical achievements
May 29, 2026
🎉 Congratulations to Professor Liem and the VRISG Team on Two Back-to-Back Clinical Publications!
Professor Nguyen Thanh Liem and the research team at the Vietnam Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy (VRISG) have reached a significant milestone with the back-to-back publication of two peer-reviewed clinical trials, both demonstrating the safety and therapeutic potential of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs).
The first study — “Safety and preliminary efficacy of allogeneic umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells administered via the hepatic artery in patients with liver cirrhosis: A phase I open-label trial“ — was published in Cell Transplantation. This Phase I trial evaluated a novel hepatic artery delivery route for UC-MSCs in patients with liver cirrhosis, a condition that has long posed major therapeutic challenges. By establishing a promising safety profile alongside preliminary efficacy signals, the study represents a pioneering step in regenerative approaches to liver disease and opens the door to further clinical investigation.
The second study — “Safety and efficacy of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell infusion for frailty: a phase 2, single-centre, randomised, open-label controlled trial“ — was published in eBioMedicine (The Lancet group). This Phase II randomised controlled trial assessed the safety and efficacy of intravenous UC-MSC infusion in patients with frailty. The rigorous study design and robust findings make this a landmark publication, extending the clinical evidence base for UC-MSC therapy into a critically important and underserved indication.
Together, these publications reflect a coherent and systematic research strategy. Both studies centre on allogeneic UC-MSCs, leveraging the cells’ well-documented immunomodulatory and regenerative properties across two distinct yet interconnected clinical contexts. The successful completion and publication of both trials mark a meaningful contribution to the global field of cell therapy — particularly in addressing age-related and chronic conditions where significant clinical unmet needs remain. The data generated will serve as a valuable foundation for the design of larger, confirmatory studies.
Above all, this achievement reflects years of dedication, scientific rigour, and an unwavering commitment to translating research into real-world solutions for patients — from those battling liver disease to older individuals facing the profound challenges of frailty.
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