Oral N-acetylcysteine for Retinitis Pigmentosa
This study, called NAC Attack, is looking into whether a medicine called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help people with an eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is an inherited eye disease that causes cells in the back of your eye, called photoreceptors, to slowly break down. This leads to problems with night vision and a gradual narrowing of your side vision. NAC is an antioxidant, meaning it can help protect cells from damage. Previous studies in animals suggested NAC might help protect vision in RP, and a small study in people showed some promising signs. This larger study aims to find out if taking NAC over a few years can truly slow down vision loss in RP and if it is safe.
A colpo d'occhio
Di cosa tratta questo studio?
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited eye condition that causes cells in the back of your eye, called photoreceptors, to gradually break down. These cells are essential for seeing. Initially, the rod photoreceptors, which help you see in dim light and at night, are most affected. This leads to problems with night vision. Over time, the cone photoreceptors, which are responsible for your detailed vision and colour perception, also start to break down. This causes your side vision to gradually narrow, which can eventually make it feel like you're looking through a tunnel.
Scientists believe that a process called 'oxidative stress' might contribute to the damage of cone photoreceptors in RP. Think of oxidative stress as a kind of wear and tear on your cells. The medicine being tested in this study is called N-acetylcysteine, or NAC for short. NAC is known to be a strong antioxidant, meaning it can help protect cells from this kind of stress and damage.
Previous research has shown some encouraging results. In animal studies, NAC seemed to slow down vision loss in conditions similar to RP. A small study in people with RP also suggested that taking NAC by mouth for six months might lead to small improvements in some vision tests. This current large study, called NAC Attack, will involve many people at different hospitals across the UK, US, and Canada. It aims to confirm if taking NAC for a longer period, over several years, can truly help slow the progression of RP and maintain vision, and importantly, if it is safe for long-term use.
Punti chiave
- This study is for people with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
- It's testing a medicine called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and comparing it to a dummy pill (placebo).
- NAC is thought to protect eye cells from damage.
- The study aims to see if NAC can slow down vision loss over several years.
- You would need to be 18-65 years old and meet specific eye health criteria to join.
Chi può essere idoneo?
To join this study, you would generally need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You should have a clear diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in both eyes, meaning you have experienced issues like night blindness and a gradual narrowing of your side vision, but you still have relatively good central vision.
The research team will also check specific measurements of your eye, such as the health of certain layers at the back of your eye and how well you can read an eye chart. Your general health is also important. For example, you wouldn't be able to participate if you have certain serious health conditions like active cancer, severe kidney or liver disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of certain lung conditions like severe asthma or COPD. If you are female and could become pregnant, you would need to agree to use effective birth control during the study. You also wouldn't be able to take other supplements apart from Vitamin A.
Questo studio potrebbe fare al caso tuo?
Rispondi a queste domande rapide per vedere se potresti essere idoneo. Questo è solo una guida — il team di ricerca prende la decisione finale.
- Hai tra i 18 e i 65 anni?
- Do you have a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in both eyes?
- Is your central vision still relatively good (e.g., you can read fairly well)?
- Do you not have active cancer or severe kidney/liver/lung disease?
- Are you willing to use birth control if you are a woman who could become pregnant?
- Are you able to agree not to take other supplements besides Vitamin A during the study?
Cosa comporta la partecipazione?
If you join the study, you will be taking either the study medicine (NAC) or a placebo (a dummy pill that looks like the medicine but has no active ingredients) by mouth. You won't know which one you are taking, and neither will your doctor, which helps make the results fair. This study will involve regular visits to the clinic over several years. During these visits, you'll have various eye tests to check your vision and the health of your eyes, and general health check-ups to make sure the medicine is safe for you. The exact number and frequency of visits, as well as the total length of the study, will be fully explained by the research team.
Rischi e benefici potenziali
Locations (31)
- University of California - Davis, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision ScienceCodice postale verificatoDavis, United States
- University of Southern California, Keck School of MedicineCodice postale verificatoLos Angeles, Stati Uniti
- University of California - San Francisco, Department of OphthalmologyCodice postale verificatoSan Francisco, Stati Uniti
- Stanford University, Byers Eye InstituteCodice postale verificatoStanford, United States
- Vitreo Retinal AssociatesCodice postale verificatoGainesville, Stati Uniti
- University of Florida - Jacksonville, UF Health JacksonvilleCodice postale verificatoJacksonville, Stati Uniti
- University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye InstituteCodice postale verificatoMiami, Stati Uniti
- Emory University, Emory Eye CenterCodice postale verificatoAtlanta, Stati Uniti
- University Of Illinois At ChicagoCodice postale verificatoChicago, Stati Uniti
- Northwestern UniversityCodice postale verificatoEvanston, United States
- University of Iowa, Carver College of MedicineCodice postale verificatoIowa City, Stati Uniti
- Wilmer Eye Institute- Johns Hopkins UniversityCodice postale verificatoBaltimora, Stati Uniti
Domande comuni
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)?
RP is an inherited eye condition where cells in the back of your eye (photoreceptors) gradually break down, leading to night blindness and a narrowing of your side vision.
What is N-acetylcysteine (NAC)?
NAC is an antioxidant medicine that may help protect cells in your eyes from damage. It's also used for other medical conditions.
Che cos'è un placebo?
A placebo is a 'dummy pill' that looks exactly like the study medicine but doesn't contain any active ingredients. It's used to compare against the active medicine.
Quanto durerà lo studio?
The study will involve taking NAC or a placebo for several years, with regular clinic visits and eye assessments throughout this period.
Can I still take my regular Vitamin A supplements if I join?
Yes, unlike other supplements, the study allows patients to continue taking their standard Vitamin A supplements.
Come saperne di più
Parla sempre con il tuo medico di base o specialista prima di decidere di partecipare a uno studio.
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