Testing a treatment to help preserve vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
NAC Attack, A Phase-3, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Patents with Retinitis Pigmentosa
This study is looking at whether taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a helpful antioxidant, can support vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa by protecting important cells in the eye, and participants will either receive NAC or a placebo over time to see how it affects their eyesight.
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-11045045 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, on patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that leads to severe visual impairment. The study involves a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either NAC or a placebo over an extended period. The primary goal is to determine if long-term NAC administration can promote the survival of cone photoreceptors, which are crucial for vision. Patients will be monitored using advanced imaging techniques to assess changes in their retinal health and visual function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa who are experiencing vision loss.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration or those who do not have retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that helps preserve vision and improve quality of life for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with NAC in animal models and small clinical trials, suggesting potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campochiaro, Peter a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Campochiaro, Peter a
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.