Update on Current Clinical Trials

It is an exciting time in medicine and especially for Stargardt's sufferers and others with inherited retinal diseases. Here is a summary of current trials:

Phase I/IIa study of StarGen (Gene Therapy)

This study is being conducted by Oxford Biomedica at two sites, Oregon Health and Science University (US) and Institut de la Vision (France). Recruitment was suspended earlier this year to investigate impurities in the substance. The study will resume in about three months. 

StarGen - Foundation Fighting Blindness

Sub retinal injection of hESC into RPE (Stem Cells) 

The phase I trial being conducted by Advanced Cell Technology is continuing. The second cohort was recruited in July. There have been no further updates since the last press release. 

Stem Cell Therapy - Advanced Cell Technology

Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study SCOTS

This stem cell study is using cells derived from autologous (your own) bone marrow which is then injected into the retina. The study is looking at whether there is improvement in visual acuity and visual fields. It is not only looking at Stargardt's patients but also patients with optic nerve diseases and other retinal diseases. The study is being conducted by the Retinal Associates of South Florida (US). This will be an interesting study to monitor.

Bone Marrow Stem Cells - Retinal Associates of South Florida

Safety and Tolerability of MA09-hRPE cells (Stem Cells)

This is another embryonic stem cell trial currently recruiting in Korea, conducted by CHA Bio and Diostech. The trial is similar to the ACT trial.

Stem Cells - CHA Bio and Diostech

Saffron Supplementation and SD

Another study currently recruiting is looking at the effects of saffon supplementation on Stargardt's specifically. The study is being conducted at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy. The study is a crossover design meaning that each participant will receive the placebo and treatment for a period of time. I have personally tried saffron and feel as though my sight improved so I am looking forward to the results of this study.

Saffron Supplement Trial

ProgSTAR Natural History Study

This study is funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness and aims to investigate the disease further and also follow the progression of the disease. This information can then be used in future intervention trials. This is a multi centre trial across the US, UK and Germany. This would be a great study to participate in if you are local to one of the centres. 

ProgSTAR - Foundation Fighting Blindness

Natural History of Eye Diseases Related to ABCA4 Mutations

Here is another study looking at disease progression in Stargardt's . It is being conducted by the National Eye Institute in Maryland (US). To participate you must be at least 12 years old and follow up is over five years. 

National Eye Institute - Natural History Study

Novel Quantification Methods to Detect Progression in SD

This is another trial currently recruiting which is using a specific technique is learning more about the progression of Stargardt's. The trial is being conducted by the Kellogg Eye Centre in Michigan (US). This study is focusing on kids and teens (ages 5-18).

Kellogg Eye Centre Trial

High Resolution Retinal Imaging Study

This study is looking at the use of an adaptive optics scanning laser opthalmoscope AOSLO to take pictures of the retina. The aim is then to analyse these pictures to better understand Stargardt's. This study is also being conducted by the National Eye Institute. 

AOSLO study - National Eye Institute

Looking forward to seeing the results of all the trials.I will keep you all posted. 

Stuff I've learnt from Twitter!

I've been following the Foundation Fighting Blindness (@gihtblindness) on Twitter over the past few weeks. This weekend they have held Vision 2011 conference in the US. They have been updating their posts regularly and I have found out some interesting facts. The following are the tweets that I found really interesting:


1. "Q: animal trials - any reversal of vision loss 4 Stargardt? A: going that direction, but nothing yet showing definite restoration."
2. "Dr. Jacque Duncan (involved in retinal disease clinical trial) said that retinal degeneration is usually slow so it's hard to detect changes in 2-3 year studies."

3. "From Stem Cell session panel - Must easier to save retinal cells than replace them."

4. "Gen etc testing and thorough exams important because many diseases look alike.. Cone rod, Stargardt, Best Disease can look similar."

5. "About 50% of cone rod dystrophy caused by ABCA4 - same gene that causes majority of Stargardt disease."

4. A quote from John Wellner - "It's a great time in history to be blind; way better than the 1400's". You'd hope so!!
The link to the Foundation Fighting Blindness is below.


Foundation Fighting Blindness

They have a great wealth of information and are a great foundation so check it out.