Iowa City, IANCT04504123Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Exudative Macular Degeneration Clinical Trial in Iowa City, IA

Access cutting-edge exudative macular degeneration treatment through this phase 2 clinical trial at a research site in Iowa City. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of Iowa

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Expert Care in Iowa City

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related exudative macular degeneration treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this exudative macular degeneration clinical trial in Iowa City, IA

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Iowa City

    Convenient for IA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Iowa City site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Exudative Macular Degeneration Study in Iowa City

Wet (or neovascular) form of age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the Western world. Currently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injections (IVI) remain the standard-of-care treatment for wAMD. Previous studies show that about 90% of treated patients lose minimal visual function after 2 years of follow-up. There is still, a subset of 15% patients, incomplete responders, that do not improve and possibly worsen due to the persistence of sub-retinal fluid (with or without intra-retinal fluid) with chronic treatment. The investigators plan to evaluate the effect of oral doxycycline versus placebo on the anatomic and functional outcomes in persistent sub-retinal eye fluid in neovascular wet age-related macular degeneration. This subset are incomplete or non-responders to current anti-VEGF intravitreal therapy.

Sponsor: University of Iowa

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD);
Solely treated with anti-VEGF IVI for active CNV due to wAMD. However, enrolled patients can have other retinal pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion for which they are not being treated with anti-VEGF IVI;
Must have persistent sub-retinal with or without intra-retinal fluid due to active CNV from wAMD despite receiving at least three consecutive injections with any anti-VEGF agent;
Must not have encountered previous side effects from tetracycline medications.

Exclusion Criteria

History of uveitis (including endophthalmitis) or presence of intraocular inflammation;
Presence of significant epiretinal membrane or macular hole causing distortion of macular anatomy;
Presence of media opacity preventing discerning of fluid on OCT;
Any prior ophthalmic surgery (including YAG or retinal laser) within the previous 3 months or anticipated need for any ophthalmic surgery (including cataract extraction) for 9 months following randomization;
History of peribulbar corticosteroid injection to the studied eye or the fellow eye within the past 6 months;
History of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection to the studied eye within the past 4 months;
An ocular condition (other than AMD) is present in the studied eye that, in the opinion of the investigator, might alter visual acuity during the course of the study (e.g., retinal vein occlusion, uveitis or other ocular inflammatory disease, neovascular glaucoma, and Irvine-Gass syndrome);
CNV due to causes other than wAMD;
Inability to follow up at the 6th and 9th months time points after recruitment;
Missing two or more consecutive injections during the six months treatment period;
Patient requiring imminent need for IVI anti-VEGF medication switch or another treatment intervention, such as photodynamic therapy, during the 9 months trial period;
Presence of fluid associated with geographic atrophy or disciform scar;
Any patient with sub-retinal and/or intra-retinal fluid that is not due to CNV (eg, overlying areas of geographic atrophy;
Any patient actively being actively treated for Irvine-Gass Syndrome. Exclusion Criteria - Systemic:
Patient with and/or who developed an unstable medical status (e.g., glycemic control, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, individuals who are unlikely or unable to complete the 9 months trial period) in the opinion of the investigator;
Significant renal disease (defined as a serum creatinine \>2.5 mg/dL);
Systolic blood pressure \>180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure \>110 mm Hg;
History of headaches associated with tetracycline therapy
History of pseudotumor cerebri;
History of tetracycline therapy within the past 6 months;
Pregnancy or patient intending to become pregnant within the 9 months of the trial period. For women of child-bearing potential, a pregnancy test will be performed;
Sexually active women of child-bearing potential not actively practicing birth control by using a medically accepted device or therapy (i.e., intrauterine device, hormonal contraceptive, or barrier device) during the study period (at least 24 months). This is important as doxycycline may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Hence, sexually active women of child-bearing potential who use a hormonal contraceptive will be required to use a second form of contraception to safeguard against contraceptive failure while participating in the study;
Known allergy/intolerance to doxycycline, tetracyclines, or any ingredient in the study drug or placebo;
Patients receiving phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, digoxin, or isotretinoin; patients with gastroparesis; patients with a history of gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery, or otherwise deemed achlorhydric should all be excluded due to altered doxycycline pharmacokinetics and/or bioavailability;
Patients taking strontium, acitretin, or tretinoin should excluded due to the potential for serious interactions with doxycycline;
Patients with abnormal ALT or AST at baseline will be referred to their primary care physician for medical clearance for participation in this study.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Iowa City?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT04504123) has an active research site in Iowa City, IA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Exudative Macular Degeneration Treatment Options in Iowa City, IA

If you're searching for exudative macular degeneration treatment options in Iowa City, IA, this clinical trial (NCT04504123) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Iowa City research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 2 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced exudative macular degeneration specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all exudative macular degeneration clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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