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Anti-malarial drug

Hydroxychloroquine for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Phase 1 & 2
Recruiting
Led By David Zacks, MD
Research Sponsored by University of Michigan
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Confirmed to have one copy of the P23H-RHO pathogenic variant by genetic testing at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory
Clinical diagnosis of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Must not have
Use of any other drugs which are known to prolong the QT interval
Treatment with another investigational medical intervention for retinitis pigmentosa within 3 months, or any ever previous treatment with an investigational surgical intervention
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up screening up to 18 months
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is testing whether the drug hydroxychloroquine can help people with retinitis pigmentosa by altering the autophagy pathway in photoreceptors.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa caused by P23H-RHO. Participants must have a certain level of visual acuity, agree to use effective contraception if applicable, and be able to swallow pills whole. They should not have used specific drugs that affect the retina or have allergies to hydroxychloroquine or similar medications.
What is being tested?
The study tests two doses of oral hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) over 12 months on people with retinitis pigmentosa to see if it can stop the progression of retinal degeneration. It involves six visits including one phone visit, where patients will undergo general exams, blood work, electrocardiograms, and special retina testing.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include digestive issues, changes in blood counts leading to anemia or bleeding problems, eye toxicity affecting vision, muscle weakness or nerve pain. There's also a risk of heart-related side effects like abnormal heart rhythms.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My genetic test shows I have the P23H-RHO variant.
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I have been diagnosed with a genetic form of retinitis pigmentosa.
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I can take pills as required and follow the medication schedule.
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I can swallow pills whole and will follow the daily medication plan.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I am not taking any medications known to affect heart rhythm.
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I haven't had any experimental treatments for retinitis pigmentosa in the last 3 months.
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I have no history of heart, kidney, liver, blood diseases, psoriasis, porphyria, or alcoholism.
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My blood tests show liver issues or kidney problems, or I have a blood disorder.
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I am not taking drugs like digoxin, antiepileptics, or methotrexate that can't be stopped.
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I am not allergic to hydroxychloroquine or similar medications, and I don't have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
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I have used tamoxifen before.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~screening up to 18 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and screening up to 18 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Ellipsoid zone area measured by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT)
Change in Retinal sensitivity (decibels) measured by scotopic and mesopic microperimetry

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: HCQ treatment 2Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
In treatment arm 2, the dose of the study drug will be 5 mg/kg/day. The daily dose will not exceed 400 mg. In both groups, the dose will be rounded down to 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/day.
Group II: HCQ treatment 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
In treatment arm 1, the dose of study drug will be 4 mg/kg/day. The daily dose will not exceed 400 mg. In both groups, the dose will be rounded down to 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/day.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Cures Within ReachOTHER
22 Previous Clinical Trials
2,081 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Retinitis Pigmentosa
4 Patients Enrolled for Retinitis Pigmentosa
University of MichiganLead Sponsor
1,833 Previous Clinical Trials
6,423,116 Total Patients Enrolled
3 Trials studying Retinitis Pigmentosa
528 Patients Enrolled for Retinitis Pigmentosa
David Zacks, MD2.04 ReviewsPrincipal Investigator - University of Michigan
University of Michigan
1Patient Review
Dr. Zacks is very dogmatic and inflexible in his thinking.

Media Library

Hydroxychloroquine higher dose (Anti-malarial drug) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04120883 — Phase 1 & 2
Retinitis Pigmentosa Research Study Groups: HCQ treatment 1, HCQ treatment 2
Retinitis Pigmentosa Clinical Trial 2023: Hydroxychloroquine higher dose Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04120883 — Phase 1 & 2
Hydroxychloroquine higher dose (Anti-malarial drug) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04120883 — Phase 1 & 2
~3 spots leftby Jan 2026