CORD-CELL Trial
What is the CORD-CELL Trial about?
The CORD‑CELL trial is a large, multisite international study testing whether giving their own (self/autologous) umbilical cord blood cells to extremely preterm babies can help protect their developing brains.
Extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks pregnancy) are at high risk of brain injury because their organs are still fragile and vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and low oxygen levels.
Who can participate?
Extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks pregnancy) born at participating sites.
What will the trial involve?
The trial involves collection of recruited newborn’s umbilical cord blood at birth. In this randomised trial, all babies receive standard intensive care, but half also receive an infusion of their own cord blood cells collected at birth. This approach builds directly on the earlier CORD‑SAFE study, which showed that giving these cells to preterm infants is feasible and appears safe, paving the way for this larger, more definitive trial.
What are the goals of the CORD-CELL Trial?
The goal of CORD‑CELL is to find out whether infusing cord blood cells can improve long‑term outcomes such as movement, learning, and overall development, while also carefully monitoring for any short‑term side effects. The study is being conducted across several international centres, with Hudson Cell Therapies supporting the Victorian arm, ensuring that a safe and reliable cord blood product is available for participating families. If successful, this therapy could represent a major advance in reducing disability among extremely preterm infants by harnessing the healing potential of their own cells.
How do I participate?
The medical and research teams at participating hospitals will contact you when you are expecting or delivering an extremely preterm baby.
Who do I contact?
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please feel free to contact Prof Malhotra
Professor Atul Malhotra | atul.malhotra@monash.edu
Lead researchers
Professor Atul Malhotra
Honorary Clinical Associate, Neurodevelopment and Neuroprotection
Professor Suzanne Miller
Research Group Head, Neurodevelopment and Neuroprotection
A/Prof Courtney McDonald
Research Group Head, Cell Therapies and Neuroinflammation