EHL Bio's renal cell therapy candidate
Quick answer
KDSTEM inj. is EHL Bio's cell therapy candidate using the patient's own urine-derived mesenchymal stem cells, given as repeat intravenous infusions for chronic kidney disease. Its scientific hook is that these cells express Klotho, an anti-ageing protein with antioxidant, anti-senescence, angiogenic and metabolic-regulating roles. It sits in preclinical and early clinical development.
Collecting cells from urine is entirely non-invasive, unlike liposuction or bone marrow aspiration. The patient simply provides a urine sample and the lab isolates urothelial-lineage cells with stem cell properties for expansion.
Klotho is produced mainly in the kidney and its levels typically fall in chronic kidney disease. The mechanistic hypothesis is that cells expressing high Klotho may reduce oxidative stress and renal fibrosis — the two engines of progressive kidney decline.
It must be stressed that KDSTEM is not standard care for CKD. Guideline therapy remains blood pressure and diabetes control, ACEi/ARB and SGLT2 inhibitors, plus stage-appropriate diet. Patients should never stop existing medication to pursue cell therapy.
If you are exploring options, our site's kidney planning tool estimates CKD stage from eGFR or creatinine and drafts a preliminary plan with questions to raise with your doctor. Always have your nephrologist review that plan before acting on it.
No. Patients on dialysis must continue as prescribed. Cell therapy is investigational and adjunctive, not a replacement for renal replacement therapy.
Yes. Published research shows urine contains shed urothelial-lineage cells that can be cultured and display mesenchymal stem cell-like properties.
The protocol calls for repeat dosing; the actual number depends on disease stage and physician assessment, not on advertised numbers.
If change occurs, it is usually assessed via eGFR, proteinuria and clinical status over 3-6 months, with follow-up testing set by the physician.
Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.
Back to categoriesRelated topics: Cell drug pipeline · Kidney, liver, heart, lung