A Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Subretinal Injection of AGTC-501 in Participants With XLRP
This research is looking at a new treatment called AGTC-501, which is a type of gene therapy, for young men aged 12 to 50 who have an inherited eye condition called X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). This condition causes vision loss. The study wants to find out if AGTC-501 is safe and effective in improving or stabilising eyesight. Participants will be split into three groups: two groups will receive different doses of the AGTC-501 treatment, given as a single injection into the eye, and one group will not receive the treatment initially but will be closely monitored. Later, the untreated group may have the chance to receive the treatment too. The study hopes to understand how well this new therapy works and how safe it is for people with XLRP.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating a new potential treatment for an eye condition called X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, or XLRP. This is a genetic condition that mainly affects males and leads to progressive vision loss over time. The experimental treatment, called AGTC-501, is a type of gene therapy. This means it aims to deliver a healthy copy of a gene that is faulty in people with XLRP, hoping to correct the problem and potentially improve or save their vision.
The researchers want to carefully test this new treatment. They will be looking at its safety – making sure it doesn't cause harmful side effects – and its effectiveness – seeing if it actually helps improve or prevent further vision loss. The treatment involves a single injection directly into the eye. By comparing different doses of the treatment to a group that doesn't receive it straight away, the scientists can gather important information about how well it works and what the best approach might be.
Finding new treatments for conditions like XLRP is really important because currently, there are limited options. This study could be a step towards a new way to help people living with this challenging eye condition, potentially making a real difference to their quality of life and preserving their sight.
Key takeaways
- Targets inherited vision loss (XLRP) in males.
- Uses a new gene therapy (AGTC-501) as a single eye injection.
- Compares two treatment doses to an observational group.
- Aims to check both safety and effectiveness.
- Participation involves regular eye checks and clinic visits.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, participants must be male and between 12 and 50 years old. You need to have a confirmed diagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by specific changes in a gene called RPGR. Your vision must be within a certain range – not too good, but also not extremely poor – in the eye being treated.
It's important that you also have some measurable vision in your central sight, where you see details, and certain parts of your eye should still be working, as seen in eye scans. You must be able to complete all the eye tests required by the study.
You cannot join if you have other eye conditions that might affect how the treatment works or if you have certain other serious health issues that could interfere with the study's findings.
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 male and between 12 and 50 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by an RPGR gene change?
- Is your vision, in the eye to be treated, not too good (worse than about 20/32) but also not too poor (better than about 20/200)?
- Can you comfortably complete detailed eye tests?
- Do you not have other eye conditions that might interfere with the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first have to go through a screening process to make sure you're a good fit. If you're eligible, you'll be randomly placed into one of three groups. Two groups will receive different doses of the study drug, AGTC-501, given as a single injection into one eye. The third group will be observed without receiving the treatment initially, but they may have the chance to get the treatment after a certain period.
Throughout the study, you'll have regular hospital visits. These visits will involve various eye tests to check your vision, take pictures of your eye, and assess how your eye is functioning. This is to monitor the safety of the treatment and see if it's having any effect on your vision. You'll need to follow instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments. The total duration of your participation in the study, including follow-up, will be explained by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (25)
- Retina Macula Institute of ArizonaVerified postcodeScottsdale, United States
- Children's Hospital Los AngelesVerified postcodeLos Angeles, United States
- University of Florida Health Jacksonville, Department of OphthalmologyVerified postcodeJacksonville, United States
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute- University of MiamiVerified postcodeMiami, United States
- Midwest Eye Institute (Retina Partners Midwest)Verified postcodeCarmel, United States
- Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns HopkinsVerified postcodeBaltimore, United States
- Ophthalmic Consultants of BostonVerified postcodeBoston, United States
- Mayo ClinicVerified postcodeRochester, United States
- Duke Eye CenterVerified postcodeDurham, United States
- Cincinnati Eye InstituteVerified postcodeCincinnati, United States
- Cole Eye Institute - Cleveland ClinicVerified postcodeCleveland, United States
- Casey Eye Institute, OHSUVerified postcodePortland, United States
Common questions
What is X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP)?
XLRP is an inherited eye disease that mostly affects males, causing vision to gradually get worse over time.
What is AGTC-501?
AGTC-501 is an investigational gene therapy designed to replace a faulty gene in the eye that causes XLRP, in the hope of improving or stabilising vision.
How is the treatment given?
The treatment is given as a single injection directly into one eye.
Will I definitely get the treatment if I join?
You will be randomly assigned to one of three groups; two groups receive the treatment, and one group is observed first. The observed group may receive treatment later.
How long will the study last for?
The total length of your participation, including follow-up, will be explained by the study team, but it will involve multiple visits over time.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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