Using Nicotinamide to Treat Dominant Optic Atrophy

Pilot Study of Tolerance and Efficacy Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) in Dominant Optic Atrophy OPA1

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University Hospital, Angers · NCT06007391

This study is testing if a vitamin B3 supplement called nicotinamide can help improve vision in adults with Dominant Optic Atrophy who have a specific genetic mutation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Angers Government
Locations1 site (Angers)
Trial IDNCT06007391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and tolerance of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, in patients with Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), a condition that leads to progressive vision loss. The study is based on findings that suggest a deficiency of nicotinamide in DOA patients, which may contribute to the neurodegenerative process affecting the optic nerve. Participants will be adult patients with a confirmed genetic mutation in the OPA1 gene who have not previously taken nicotinamide. The trial aims to assess the potential neuroprotective effects of nicotinamide on visual function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Dominant Optic Atrophy due to a pathogenic variant in the OPA1 gene who have not previously taken nicotinamide.

Not a fit: Patients who are asymptomatic carriers of the OPA1 mutation or those with other severe ophthalmological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from Dominant Optic Atrophy.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on promising preliminary findings, the specific use of nicotinamide for DOA is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients
* Patients with DOA or DOA+ due to a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the OPA1 gene
* Naïve patients (\> 3 months) in terms of taking nicotinamide
* Patients able to take oral medication and comply with specific study procedures
* Patients affiliated or beneficiaries of a social security scheme
* Signature of voluntary, free and informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Asymptomatic patients (= healthy carriers of an OPA1 mutation but not having developed optic neuropathy)
* Patients with another associated severe ophthalmological pathology (advanced glaucoma, retinal pathology, etc.)
* Patients treated with Idebenone
* Patients with a level of transaminase(s) (ASAT and/or ALAT) twice higher than the high normal value.
* Pregnant, breastfeeding or parturient women
* Patients with a contraindication to nicotinamide
* Persons deprived of liberty by administrative or judicial decision
* Patients subject to a legal protection measure
* Persons undergoing psychiatric treatment under duress
* Persons unable to express their consent

Where this trial is running

Angers

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 Nicotinamide Adverse Reaction
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.