Using cysteamine to treat cystinosis

Use of Cysteamine in the Treatment of Cystinosis

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT00359684

This study is testing how well the medication cysteamine works for people with cystinosis and what long-term effects it has on their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment330 (estimated)
Ages1 Week to 115 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00359684 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with cystinosis, a genetic disorder that leads to kidney failure and other complications due to cystine accumulation in the body. The study monitors patients treated with cysteamine, an oral medication that reduces cystine levels, to assess its long-term effects and identify new complications associated with the disease. Patients are evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center every two years, where a series of tests are conducted to track their health and the effectiveness of cysteamine treatment. The study also aims to maintain a patient population for genetic testing to better understand the disease's progression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with cystinosis, regardless of the disease's severity or age of onset.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to travel to the NIH or are less than one week old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the management of cystinosis and enhance the quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that cysteamine effectively reduces cystine levels and improves patient outcomes, indicating a successful approach in managing cystinosis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Diagnosis of cystinosis, whether classical or one of the variants with later onset or no renal complications.

Patients will be diagnosed as having cystinosis based upon a leucocyte cystine content greater than 1 nmol half-cystine/mg protein (normal, less than 0.2) and a typical clinical course.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Inability to travel to the NIH.

Age less than one week.

Nonviable neonates and neonates of uncertain viability will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CystinosisCystineLysomal Storage DiseaseMutation AnalysisMetabolic DiseaseNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.