Investigating the effects of N-acetyl cysteine on retinitis pigmentosa progression

NAC Attack, a phase-3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with retinitis pigmentosa: OCT Reading Center

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11042760

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042760 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration or those not diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.