E-CEL UVEC Treatment for Anal Fissures

This Phase 1b trial is conducted to evaluate the initial safety and efficacy of local (percutaneous) injections of E-CEL UVEC cells, genetically-engineered (pro-survival gene, E4ORF1+), human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as an experimental treatment of patients with chronic anal fissure (CAF) who have failed medical therapy (i.e., topical vasodilators ± botulinum injection). The study is a non-randomized, open-label, single arm study, meaning every study participant will receive some dose of the experimental study drug (no placebo). Consented, eligible participants will receive percutaneous injections of E-CEL UVEC cell product along the sides of the fissure; the treatments are spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Initial safety and efficacy parameters will be observed over a 6-month period, followed by a long-term follow-up consisting of annual questionnaire provided by electronic means.

This research study is being done because, in animal studies, E-CEL UVEC cells have been shown to aid in restoring or accelerating the normal healing in various tissues. This study will test if it is safe to use E-CEL UVEC cell therapy and if they it would aid in restoring or improve healing of CAF that was not responding to medical therapy. Improvement of CAF would be assessed in a standard, clinical manner (using brief digital palpation by the doctor), a method acceptable to the FDA, versus the original method (detailed quantitative photo-documentation). This study is being led by Dr. Kelly Garrett, Associate Professor of Surgery, and conducted by surgeons in the Colon and Rectal Surgery Division of Weill Cornell Medical College.