Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Natural History Study in Patients With PDE6A-, PDE6B- and RHO-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa

This study focuses on understanding how Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), an eye condition that can lead to vision loss, develops naturally in people with specific genetic changes (in the PDE6A, PDE6B, or RHO genes). Researchers are using new ways to look closely at the eye's structure, how it works, and its energy use. The main goal is to find good ways to measure changes in the eye that could be used in future studies to test new treatments for safety and how well they work. By observing how the condition changes over time without any new treatments, scientists can get a clearer picture of what to look for when they eventually test new medicines to slow down or stop the progression of RP.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Tuebingen

Enrolment target

Start

17 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Retinitis Pigmentosa

What is this study about?

This study is a bit different from many others because it's a "natural history" study. This means researchers aren't testing a new treatment or medicine. Instead, they are carefully watching how Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition that affects your eyesight, changes over time in people who have it because of specific genetic changes (in genes called PDE6A, PDE6B, or RHO).

Think of it like this: if you wanted to build a better raincoat, you'd first need to understand exactly how rain behaves – how it falls, how much there is, and how it affects different materials. In the same way, this study aims to understand exactly how RP progresses. The researchers are using new and advanced ways to measure how your eyes look (structure), how well they work (function), and even how they use energy (metabolism). This detailed information will help them work out the best ways to measure if new treatments are actually making a difference down the line.

Why is this important? RP caused by these specific genes often starts early and can slowly lead to vision loss over many years. Future treatments might aim to slow this process down. By knowing exactly how the condition progresses naturally, and by finding very sensitive ways to measure those changes, researchers will be much better prepared to test new treatments in the future. This study is laying the groundwork for developing more effective and targeted therapies for RP.

Key takeaways

Observational study, not an active treatment trial.
Focuses on genetic forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa (PDE6A, PDE6B, RHO).
Aims to understand natural disease progression in detail.
Uses new methods to examine eye structure, function, and energy use.
Information gathered will help design future treatment trials.
Open to individuals aged 5 and older.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 5 years old. This study is specifically looking for people who have Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) that has been identified as being caused by changes in one of three specific genes: PDE6A, PDE6B, or RHO. You or your parent/guardian must also be willing and able to understand and sign a consent form that explains everything about the study.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For instance, if you have another serious health condition that would make it difficult or unsafe for you to complete the longer eye examinations required for the study, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Both males and females of all ages from 5 years upwards are welcome to participate, as long as they meet the other criteria. The main focus is on those specific genetic causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 5 years old?
Do you have Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Has your RP been linked to changes in the PDE6A, PDE6B, or RHO genes?
Are you or your guardian able to understand and sign consent forms?
Do you feel well enough for longer eye examinations?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medicine or treatment. Instead, you'll have several detailed eye examinations. These examinations will look at your eye's structure, how well it works, and its energy use. The study is designed to observe how your condition changes over time, so you'll likely have these examinations at different points over a period – though the exact number and timing of visits aren't specified here, they are usually discussed in detail with the study team. Each visit will involve various tests, which might take some time, but they help researchers gather very precise information about your Retinitis Pigmentosa. You will not have to take any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this is an observational study, there are no direct medical benefits from taking part, as you won't receive a new treatment. However, the information gathered from your participation will be incredibly valuable to researchers, helping them to develop better ways to assess and ultimately treat Retinitis Pigmentosa in the future. The main risks involved are usually related to the time commitment for study visits and the mild potential discomfort from eye examinations, such as bright lights or dilation drops. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University Tübingen
Verified postcode
Tübingen, Germany

Common questions

What is a 'natural history' study?

It's a study where researchers observe how a disease progresses over time without giving any new treatments. They simply watch and learn.

Will I receive any new medicine or treatment in this study?

No, this study is about observation and understanding the disease. You will not receive any new medications or treatments as part of it.

Why is this study important if it doesn't offer a new treatment?

It helps scientists understand Retinitis Pigmentosa better. This knowledge is vital for designing future studies that can test new treatments more effectively.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have detailed eye examinations that look at how your eyes are built, how well they see, and how they use energy. These are standard eye tests.

How long will I be in the study?

The information provided doesn't specify the exact duration, but natural history studies often involve multiple visits over a period to track changes over time.