Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational

Understanding the natural history of Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy

Official title: Natural History Study in Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by Mutations in the BEST1 Gene

Run by Columbia University · NCT05809635 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy changes over time in people with the condition to help find better treatments in the future.

More Retinitis Pigmentosa trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
SexAll
Enrollment52 (estimated)
SponsorColumbia University
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (New York, New York and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 30, 2021
Main results expectedMay 31, 2026
Study endsMay 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 30, 2025
Trial IDNCT05809635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with BEST1-associated VMD who can commit to multiple follow-up visits.

Probably not a fit

Patients with systemic conditions that prevent them from undergoing the necessary exams may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to establish the natural history of Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (VMD) caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. It will involve participants diagnosed with BEST1-associated VMD, who will undergo a series of follow-up visits over three years. The study seeks to identify sensitive measures of disease progression and assess the suitability of untreated eyes as controls for future clinical trials. By documenting the progression of retinal degeneration, the study will provide valuable insights for developing new treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of disease progression and improve future treatment strategies for patients with Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy.

How similar studies have gone: While this study focuses on the natural history of a specific condition, similar observational studies have successfully informed treatment approaches in other retinal diseases.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to provide informed consent
* Diagnosis of BEST1-associated VMD by study physician, who are trained retinal specialists in the university clinic Must be able to commit to 4 follow-up study visits (3 years)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic condition that prevents the participant from undergoing the exams

Where it's running

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • Eberhard Karls University Tubingen
    Tübingen, Germany
    Recruiting
  • Institut de la Vision/Centre de maladies rares du Centre Hospitalier National Ophtalmologique des Quinze-Vingts
    Paris, France
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.