NCT05959005 · University of Utah
Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions
What this study is about
Early atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents an important time window in the course of so far untreatable atrophic AMD, as patients typically experience only some degree of visual dysfunction, while being at significant risk for marked further loss of vision.
View original scientific description
Early atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents an important time window in the course of so far untreatable atrophic AMD, as patients typically experience only some degree of visual dysfunction, while being at significant risk for marked further loss of vision. To allow the precise evaluation of upcoming therapeutic interventions, a better understanding of the manifestation and variable disease progression is needed. This project aims to investigate refined tools to detect and monitor early atrophic AMD more accurately, including the impact on visual dysfunction and quality of life.
Interventions
OTHER
No intervention
There is no intervention.
Primary outcome measures
Change in geographic atrophy (GA) lesion size
Time frame: At months 36 from baseline
Total GA lesion size will be determined by applying the RegionFinder® software on fundus-autofluorescence (FAF) with the aid of near-infrared (NIR) and optical coherence tomography ( OCT) images for the decision for the actual presence of early atrophic lesions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Males and females aged 50 years and older of all ethnicities.
- Study eye with at least one early atrophic lesion defined as:
- incomplete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) (region of signal hypertransmission into the choroid, corresponding zone of attenuation or disruption of the RPE, and evidence of overlying photoreceptor degeneration that is, subsidence of the inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer plexiform layer (OPL), presence of a hyporeflective wedge in the Henle fiber layer (HFL), thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), disruption of the external limiting membrane (ELM), or disintegrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), or
- complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) (homogeneous choroidal hypertransmission, absence of the RPE band measuring \> 250µm, evidence of overlying photoreceptor degeneration) and total lesions size =\< ½ disc area (DA) (corresponding to 1.27mm2 area) of all atrophic lesions measured on fundus-autofluorescence (FAF) imaging in the study eye.
- Sufficiently clear ocular media, adequate pupillary dilatation, and adequate fixation to permit quality fundus imaging and unbiased functional testing incl. fundus-controlled perimetry (FCP) testing.
- Ability to comply with study protocol timelines.
Exclusion criteria
- Signs or exudation defined as serous detachment of the sensory retina, intraretinal cystoid fluid, or subretinal/retinal hemorrhage in the study eye.
- cRORA lesion \>1/2 disc area in the study eye at baseline.
- Any history of treatment of exudative macular neovascularization (MNV) in the study eye (e.g. type 1, type 2, mixed, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and retinal angiomatous proliferation); Note: Non-exudative type 1 MNV in the study eye is NOT an exclusion criterion; non-exudative or exudative MNV in the fellow eye is not an exclusion criterion. Fellow-eyes may receive treatment of exudative MNV as part of clinical care.
- Any disease/disorder other than AMD in the study eye at the time of inclusion (e.g. monogenic retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, previous retinal surgeries, myopic degeneration), uncontrolled glaucoma with intraocular pressure (IOP) of \>30 mmHg (despite current pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment) and uveitis.
- History of central retinal laser treatment, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and subthreshold laser treatment for AMD in the study eye.
- Cataract surgery in the study eye within the last three months prior to enrollment. Laser-capsulotomy in the study eye within the last 2 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Current or previous participation in clinical trials investigating drugs or supplements in AMD (except vitamins and minerals).
- Current or previous participation (\<3 months from termination of participation) in clinical trials investigating drugs or supplements in diseases other than AMD.
- Any concurrent ocular condition in the study eye (e.g. cataracts) that, in the opinion of the investigator, requires medical or surgical intervention during the study period to prevent or treat visual loss that might result from that condition or - if allowed to progress untreated - could likely contribute to loss of at least two Snellen equivalent lines of best-corrected visual acuity during the study period.
- Concomitant diseases that in the opinion of the investigator would make adherence to the examination schedule difficult or unlikely (e.g. personality disorder, chronic alcoholism, Alzheimer's Disease, drug abuse).
- Evidence of significantly uncontrolled concomitant diseases at the discretion of the investigator (e.g. cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, endocrine gastrointestinal disorder).
Where
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Collaborators
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations