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AzTrials

Autism Spectrum DisorderPhase 1/2GARM-AutismNCT07546942

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Neurodevelopmental Disorder With Issues Social Behavior, Communication Issues, GI Dysfunction. Study is Multimodal Interventions Targeting These Pathways With cSVF, Stored MSCs, FMT and Diet Modification. Role of Autoimmunity, Gut-brain Issues, & Issues Examined.

A Phase 1/2 study testing Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT) and Ketogenic RESET Diet Protocol in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism, run by Black Tie Medical, Inc. at 2 sites in United States.

Enrolling by invitation

Enrolling by invitation. The study team selects and invites participants, usually from an existing group of patients.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core deficits in social communication and behavior, often accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic dysfunction. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 10 to 90 years
What is being tested?
Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT) and Ketogenic RESET Diet Protocol
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
50 participants
Where
2 sitesUnited States
Study dates
30 Apr 2026to 14 Aug 2030
Phase
Phase 1/2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 10 to 90 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • ADS
  • Stable on current medications or therapy
  • With/wthout comorbid GI (gut/Axis) symptoms

Who cannot join

  • Recent antiobiotics or probiotic therapy within 30 days
  • Severe GI disease or malnutrition
  • Recent major surgery that may interfere with study course
  • Other Med/Surgery issues that may preclude treatment with this protocol
  • Inability to perform the monitoring of FMT without supervision by qualfied Provider

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

United States2 sites
  • Regenevita Health

    Hamilton, Montana, 59840

  • Robert W. Alexander, MD, FICS

    Hamilton, Montana, 59840

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Autism Spectral Disorder (ASD) In Adolescent-Adults Treated by Multimodal Protocol: IV Autologous cSVF, Interval IV Autologous MSCs (Cryopreserved), Strick Ketogenic Diet RESET Program, and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core deficits in social communication and behavior, often accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic dysfunction. Emerging evidence supports the role of neuroinflammation (including autoimmune components), gut-brain axis disruption, and metabolic dysregulation in ASD pathophysiology. Multimodal interventions targeting these pathways-using autologous cSVF, cryopreserved MSCs, FMT, and dietary modulation-intent is that these multimodal interventions may offer synergistic benefits for adolescents and adults with ASD.

Read the detailed description

This refined protocol integrates the latest evidence for a multimodal intervention-autologous cSVF, cryopreserved autologous MSCs, FMT, and a structured ketogenic protocol program-for adolescent and adult ASD management.

  1. Protocol Summary Title: A Phase 1-2 Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Multimodal Therapy (Autologous cSVF + Cryopreserved Autologous MSCs, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, Ketogenic Program Reset, and OT/PT Training) in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD-Multi-level scoring) Sponsor: Blacktie Principal Investigator: Robert W. Alexander, MD, FICS Study Phase: Phase I/II Study Centers: 1-3 Clinical Applied Research Laboratories/academic centers with expertise in ASD, stem cell processing and utilization, plus gastroenterology/PMD consultants available for FMT in patient's locale Compliance: NIH and IRB oversight Informed consent for all participants ________________________________________
  2. Background and Rationale Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core deficits in social communication and behavior, often accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic dysfunction. Emerging evidence supports the role of neuroinflammation (including autoimmune components), gut-brain axis disruption, and metabolic dysregulation in ASD pathophysiology. Multimodal interventions targeting these pathways-using autologous cSVF, cryopreserved MSCs, FMT, and dietary modulation-may offer synergistic benefits for adolescents and adults with ASD. ________________________________________
  3. Objectives and Endpoints Primary Objective:
  • Evaluate the safety and tolerability of the multimodal interventions compared to current standard of care (SOC) for supportive therapy. Secondary Objectives:
  • Assess changes in ASD core symptoms, GI function, behavioral and social outcomes, and quality of life. Endpoints:
  • Incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs)
  • Change in validated ASD and GI symptom scales (CARS, VABS-II, GSRS, SRS, ABC)
  • Microbiome diversity and metabolic biomarker changes
  • Assessed performance and QoL evaluations
  1. Study Design and Methodology
  • Design: Multi-disciplined, open labelled, controlled, parallel-group (1:1:1), tracked for cellular and biologics used, open-label, including tracking of diet/OT-PT
  • Sample Size: 50 participants (range ages 10-90, DSM-5 ASD diagnosis)
  • Randomization: Stratified by age, sex, and baseline GI symptoms, Socialization
  • Interim Analysis: Futility analysis at 50% enrollment
  1. Study Population Inclusion Criteria:
  • Age 10-90 years, DSM-5 ASD diagnosis
  • Stable on current medications (if so treated at time of selection)
  • With/without comorbid GI symptoms Exclusion Criteria:
  • Recent antibiotics/probiotics
  • Severe GI disease or malnutrition
  • Recent major surgery
  • Other Medical/Surgery issues that preclude the treatment with the protocol; including spectrum limitations for patient tolerance or compliance.
  1. Intervention Protocols 6.1 Autologous Cellular Stromal Vascular Fraction (cSVF)
  • Collection: Small volume Lipoaspirate via sterile microcannula harvesting of small aggregate tSVF - under local or supplemental anesthesia as dictated by patient ability to tolerate.
  • Processing: Enzymatic digestion for cSVF and cellular isolation/concentration of heterogeneous cell groups within the cSVF (via collagenase, centrifugation, and possible undesignated cell characterization (CD34+, CD90+, CD105+)
  • Dosing: =/> 10 x 106 - 5 × 10^7 cells delivered by standard Normal Saline IV infusion
  • Administration: Intravenous (IV) route with in-line sterile 150u filtration
  • Applied LED Red Light Exposure cSVF throughout deployment
  • Standard American Cell Technology (ACT) protocol harvesting, testing and overnight shipping on day of Harvest for Cryopreservation Protocol for storage of autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs characterized as above) for future interval delivery
  • Safety: Monitored for infusion reactions, infection, and thromboembolic events] 6.2 Cryopreserved Autologous MSCs
  • Source: Autologous microcannula harvested tSVF or bone marrow (BMAC)
  • Cryopreservation: Slow freezing (-1°C/min to -80°C, then liquid nitrogen), 10% DMSO, clinical-grade solutions. ACT Standard and monitored storage per FDA requirement
  • Viability: ≥70% post-thaw, confirmed by ORFLO Flow Cytometry
  • Dosing: 1-30 × 10^6 cells within sterile Normal Saline (balanced) IV infusion minimum
  • Administration: Peripheral IV route with in-line 150 u micron filtration and Red Light Therapy
  • Quality Control: Surface marker analysis, sterility, [endotoxin, karyotype on record with FDA certified Cell Banking Laboratory- ACT] 6.3 Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
  • Donor Screening: Pathogen, parasite, and virus screening; FDA GMP processing
  • Preparation: Standardized, frozen human gut microbiota, delivered on dry ice
  • Pre-treatment: 14 days oral vancomycin, bowel cleanse (MoviPrep), acid suppression (Prilosec)
  • Dosing: High initial dose (oral/rectal), followed by daily oral maintenance for 7-8 weeks
  • Monitoring: GI and behavioral symptoms (GSRS, CARS, SRS, VABS-II)14-17]] 6.4 Ketogenic/Carnivore Diet (Carnivore RESET Program)
  • Diet: High-fat, low-carbohydrate, animal-based reset; macronutrient ratios to induce a state of ketosis (indicative of fat burning and reduction of insulin resistance.
  • Baseline Blood Testing: FBS, Fasting Insulin Levels, Hemoglobin A1c, Lipid Panel, Fasting Ketones, CBC, CRP, and other appropriate testing
  • Monitoring: Dietary logs, blood ketones, nutritional assessments at least quarterly
  • Support: PMC, Gastroenterologist,etc Provider or Dietitian, compliance checks near patient's home
  • Repeat testing of Blood levels repeated at 90-180 days
  • Safety: Monitor for metabolic derangements, GI side effects 6.5 OT/PT Training
  • Program: Standardized occupational and physical therapy modules
  • Continuation of Verbal, Socialization, and Educational Efforts
  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions/week, individualized goals (may be home monitored)
  1. Safety Monitoring Plan
  • Adverse Event Monitoring: Continuous, with prompt reporting of SAEs
  • Infusion Reactions: Pre- and post-infusion monitoring for autologous cSVF/MSCs
  • Dietary Safety: Regular metabolic and nutritional assessments and tracking
  • FMT Safety: Exclusion of high-risk participants, close monitoring for infection
  1. Outcome Measures and Biomarker Assessments Domain Assessment Tools/Markers ASD Symptoms CARS, SRS, ABC, VABS-II; observational behavior, socialization changes, communication abilities, GI Symptoms Bristol Stool Scale; Management testing of bowel flora bacteria Metabolic Blood glucose, ketones, vitamin B6, dopamine Inflammation Fecal calprotectin, serum IgA, ESR/CRP Safety AE/SAE logs, laboratory monitoring ________________________________________
  2. Statistical Analysis Plan
  • Primary Analysis: Safety (AEs/SAEs) by intervention Provider
  • Secondary Analysis: Change in symptom scales and biomarkers (ANCOVA, mixed models)
  • Interim Analysis: Futility and safety at 50% enrollment check
  1. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
  • FDA/NIH Clinical Trial Submission: For Trial approval for use cSVF, MSCs, and FMT
  • IRB Approval: NIH/FDA Approval or equivalent recognized IRB Board (GARM International Review Board)
  • Informed Consent: All participants/guardians
  • Data Privacy: HIPAA-compliant data management
Being tested
Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT), Ketogenic RESET Diet Protocol, Trial combines use of cSVF and MSCs (cryopres) with diet modification and FMT (fecal material Transplant in adult ASD patients, FMT (Fecal Material Tranplantation)
Keywords
Socialization, Learning Disability, Situational awareness and communication, Bowel dysfunction (flora correction), cSVF and Cryopreserved MSCs (autologous)
Medical subject headings
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Communication, Intestinal Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cellsProcedure or surgery

    Isolation/concentration autologous MSCs derived from tSVF from each patient participant only

  • Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT)Dietary supplement

    Novel Biome Protocol for elimination of patient's gut flora, replacement oral transplantation with a known flora common to restore the brain-gut balance in ASD patients

  • Ketogenic RESET Diet ProtocolDietary supplement

    Limited timeframe strick ketogenic diet for RESET of insulin resistance in form of high animal derived protein, high animal derived fat, low carbohydrate diet for 90 days, then standard ketogenic diet as tolerated

  • Trial combines use of cSVF and MSCs (cryopres) with diet modification and FMT (fecal material Transplant in adult ASD patientsBehavioural

    GI Axis modification of bowel flora (FMT); Diet modification to permit mild ketosis in patient; cellular modification with use of cSVF and MSCs (autologous only)

  • FMT (Fecal Material Tranplantation)Dietary supplement

    Converting diet from patient selection which complies with the needs to change the GI-Axis to accommodate bowel changes and restoration of a normal bowel flora

  • Use autologous cSVF + MSCs (cryo) for management of autoimmune component, anti-inflammatory and immune modulationBiological

    Use of cSVF isolation and submission to FDA certified tissue/cell bank for subsequent use of autolgous patient only

Study groups in NCT07546942
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ASD behavior, learning, communication and dietExperimentaldiet, bowel flora, autoimmune tracking, cSVF/MSC (cryo) multimodal approach
Receives: Procedure: Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cells; Dietary Supplement: Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT); Dietary Supplement: Ketogenic RESET Diet Protocol; Behavioral: Trial combines use of cSVF and MSCs (cryopres) with diet modification and FMT (fecal material Transplant in adult ASD patients; Dietary Supplement: FMT (Fecal Material Tranplantation); Biological: Use autologous cSVF + MSCs (cryo) for management of autoimmune component, anti-inflammatory and immune modulation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Socialization Alterations

    SRS-2 caregiver/teacher: Change in social behavior as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), a 65-item caregiver- and teacher-reported instrument scored on a scale of 0 to 195, where lower scores indicate better social functioning. SRS-2 assessments are completed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months to evaluate change over time.Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

    Measured: 1 year

  2. Communication/Education Enhancement

    PPVT-5 Peabody Picture Vocabulary testing: Change in receptive vocabulary and language comprehension as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fifth Edition (PPVT-5). Standard scores range from approximately 40 to 160 (mean = 100, SD = 15), where higher scores indicate better vocabulary and language ability. Testing is administered at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

    Measured: Months and 1 year

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Gut-Brain Axis Improvement

    GSRS Testing: Change in gastrointestinal symptoms as measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), a 15-item patient- or caregiver-reported questionnaire. Scores range from 1 to 7 per item (total composite score 15-105), where lower scores indicate fewer or less severe GI symptoms. Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

    Measured: 1 year

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted23 Apr 2026
  2. Study start30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2030 (estimated)
  4. Study completion14 Aug 2030 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
Interventional use of autolgous cSVF and MSCs; Diet modifications, OT/PT learning and training
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
50 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07546942
Sponsor's protocol ID
GARM-Autism Adults
Acronym
GARM-Autism
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
4 Apr 2026
Last updated
27 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Alexander, Robert W. Overview of COVID-19 Lung Damage Clinical Trial NCT#04326036 Using Cellular Stromal Vascular Fraction (cSVF) and Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI) Analysis of Pulmonary Injury & Post-Viral (SARS-Cov-2) Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Ann Stem Cell Res Ther. 2020; 4(1): 1039.

  • Alexander, Robert W. Overview of Cellular Stromal Vascular Fraction (cSVF) & Biocellular Uses of Stem/Stromal Cells and Matrix (tSVF + HD-PRP) in Regenerative Medicine, Aesthetic Medicine and Plastic Surgery. J. Stem Cell Res Dev Ther. 2019; 4:1-15.

  • Alexander, Robert W., Everts, Peter A. Understanding Communication Between Cellular Stromal Vascular Fraction (cSVF), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), Pericytes, Blood Derivative (HD PRP): Mechanisms in Inflammation and Immune Modulation. 2026; J Stem Cell Res. 7(1)-81. DOI:http:doi.org/10.52793/JSCR.2026.7(7(1)-81.

  • Li Y, Luo ZY, Hu YY, Bi YW, Yang JM, Zou WJ, Song YL, Li S, Shen T, Li SJ, Huang L, Zhou AJ, Gao TM, Li JM. The gut microbiota regulates autism-like behavior by mediating vitamin B6 homeostasis in EphB6-deficient mice. Microbiome. 2020 Aug 20;8(1):120. doi: 10.1186/s40168-020-00884-z.

    PubMed 32819434
  • Sharon G, Cruz NJ, Kang DW, Gandal MJ, Wang B, Kim YM, Zink EM, Casey CP, Taylor BC, Lane CJ, Bramer LM, Isern NG, Hoyt DW, Noecker C, Sweredoski MJ, Moradian A, Borenstein E, Jansson JK, Knight R, Metz TO, Lois C, Geschwind DH, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Mazmanian SK. Human Gut Microbiota from Autism Spectrum Disorder Promote Behavioral Symptoms in Mice. Cell. 2019 May 30;177(6):1600-1618.e17. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.004.

    PubMed 31150625
  • Borody TJ, Paramsothy S, Agrawal G. Fecal microbiota transplantation: indications, methods, evidence, and future directions. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2013 Aug;15(8):337. doi: 10.1007/s11894-013-0337-1.

    PubMed 23852569
  • Wang J, Li R. Effects, methods and limits of the cryopreservation on mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2024 Sep 29;15(1):337. doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-03954-3.

    PubMed 39343920
  • Xie J, Ekpo MD, Xiao J, Zhao H, Bai X, Liang Y, Zhao G, Liu D, Tan S. Principles and Protocols For Post-Cryopreservation Quality Evaluation of Stem Cells in Novel Biomedicine. Front Pharmacol. 2022 May 3;13:907943. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.907943. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35592426
  • Ferreira MY, Carvalho Junior JDC, Ferreira LM. Evaluating the quality of studies reporting on clinical applications of stromal vascular fraction: A systematic review and proposed reporting guidelines (CLINIC-STRA-SVF). Regen Ther. 2023 Aug 26;24:332-342. doi: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.08.003. eCollection 2023 Dec.

    PubMed 37662694
  • Wragg NM, Tampakis D, Stolzing A. Cryopreservation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Medical Grade Ice Nucleation Inducer. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Nov 13;21(22):8579. doi: 10.3390/ijms21228579.

    PubMed 33203028
  • Bradstreet, J.J. et al. Cell Transplant. 2014: 23:1 suppl): 105-112

  • Park EH, Lim HS, Lee S, Roh K, Seo KW, Kang KS, Shin K. Intravenous Infusion of Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Phase Ia Clinical Trial. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2018 Sep;7(9):636-642. doi: 10.1002/sctm.18-0031. Epub 2018 Aug 15.

    PubMed 30112846
  • Brinkman FSL, Winsor GL, Done RE, Filloux A, Francis VI, Goldberg JB, Greenberg EP, Han K, Hancock REW, Haney CH, Haussler S, Klockgether J, Lamont IL, Levesque RC, Lory S, Nikel PI, Porter SL, Scurlock MW, Schweizer HP, Tummler B, Wang M, Welch M. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa whole genome sequence: A 20th anniversary celebration. Adv Microb Physiol. 2021;79:25-88. doi: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.07.001. Epub 2021 Nov 16.

    PubMed 34836612
  • Nguyen LT, Nguyen PM, Nguyen HP, Bui HT, Dao LTM, Van Pham M, Hoang CK, Nguyen PT, Nguyen TTP, Nguyen ATP, Hoang VT, Bui HTP, Vuong NK, Van Ngo D. Outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell administration combined with educational intervention in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: a randomized, open-label, controlled phase II clinical trial. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025 May 30;16(1):268. doi: 10.1186/s13287-025-04404-4.

    PubMed 40442857
  • Nagpal R, Neth BJ, Wang S, Craft S, Yadav H. Modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet modulates gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids in association with Alzheimer's disease markers in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. EBioMedicine. 2019 Sep;47:529-542. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.08.032. Epub 2019 Aug 30.

    PubMed 31477562

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Autologous MSC isolation, concentration, and cryopreservation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, Fecal Biomicrome Transplantation (FMT) and Ketogenic RESET Diet Protocol in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism, run by Black Tie Medical, Inc. at 2 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Socialization Alterations (time frame: 1 year). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07546942, which also lists 18 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Apr 2026.

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