Testing a new treatment for retinitis pigmentosa using N-acetylcysteine
NAC Attack, a phase-3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
This study is looking at whether a supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help slow down vision loss in people with retinitis pigmentosa, and if you join, you’ll either get NAC or a placebo for about three and a half years to see how it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868502 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness and safety of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that leads to severe vision loss and blindness. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either NAC or a placebo for a duration of 45 months. The study aims to determine if NAC can slow down the progression of vision loss caused by the degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina. The trial is conducted across multiple centers to ensure a diverse participant pool and robust data collection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 20-60 who have been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option to slow or prevent vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of N-acetylcysteine in this context is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using similar antioxidant therapies for retinal conditions.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Xiangrong — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kong, Xiangrong
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 below.