Investigating the effects of N-acetyl cysteine on retinitis pigmentosa progression
Official title: NAC Attack, a phase-3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with retinitis pigmentosa: OCT Reading Center
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11042760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a supplement called N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) might help slow down the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa by taking special pictures of your retina over time, and it’s for people who have this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 17, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,633 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1EY033287-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa who meet specific inclusion criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration or those not diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to evaluate how N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) affects the progression of retinitis pigmentosa by using advanced imaging techniques called spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Patients participating in this study will have their eye images analyzed to measure changes in a specific area of the retina over time. The study involves comparing the effects of NAC treatment against a placebo to determine its efficacy. Trained personnel will ensure that the imaging process is standardized and reliable throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that slow down vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using NAC in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaffe, Glenn — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Jaffe, Glenn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.