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NCT01432847 · National Eye Institute (NEI)

Cell Collection to Study Eye Diseases

What this study is about

Background: \- Best Vitelliform Dystrophy (Best disease), Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD), and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) all affect the retina, the light sensing area at the back of the eye. Doctors cannot safely obtain retinal cells to study these diseases. However, cells collected from hair follicles, skin, saliva, urine, and blood can be used for research.

View original scientific description

Background: \- Best Vitelliform Dystrophy (Best disease), Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD), and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) all affect the retina, the light sensing area at the back of the eye. Doctors cannot safely obtain retinal cells to study these diseases. However, cells collected from hair follicles, skin, saliva, urine, and blood can be used for research. Researchers want to collect cells from people with Best disease, L-ORD, and AMD, and compare their cells with those of healthy volunteers. Objectives: \- To collect hair, skin, saliva, urine, and/or blood samples to study three eye diseases that affect the retina: Best disease, L-ORD, and AMD. Eligibility: * Individuals affected with ocular condition is one year of age or older. * Individuals affected with Best disease, L-ORD, or AMD is 18 years of age or older. * Unaffected individuals are seven years of age or older. Design: * The study requires one visit to the National Eye Institute. * Participants will be screened with a medical and eye disease history. They may also have an eye exam. * Participants will provide a hair sample, saliva sample, urine sample, blood sample, and/or a skin biopsy. The hair will be collected from the back of the head, and the skin will be collected from the inside of the upper arm.

Primary outcome measures

Discovery of therapeutic interventions for these ocular diseases

Time frame: Duration of protocol

The participant-specific ocular cells will be used to perform high throughput drug screens to identify novel potential therapeutic compounds.

The identification of molecular and physiological phenotypes in these cells that may be linked to the onset or progression of the ocular conditions being studied.

Time frame: Duration of protocol

The differentiated cells will be used to elucidate molecular pathways that have led to disease pathogenesis.

The differentiation of iPS cells into RPE, neural retinal cells and/or other ocular cells.

Time frame: Duration of protocol

The iPS cells will be differentiated into RPE, neural retinal and/or other ocular cells.

The creation of iPS cells from at least one of the three types of somatic tissues collected from each participant.

Time frame: Duration of protocol

This study will establish a repository of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and/or blood cells collected from participants with eye diseases and from matched controls without any eye diseases. The somatic cell repository will be used to generate iPS cells.

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

  • To be eligible, participants must meet the following inclusion criteria.
  • Have the ability to understand and sign an informed consent or have a parent/legal guardian to do so if they are minor children or have a legally authorized representative if they are adults without consent capacity.
  • Participant meets one of the following criteria:
  • Participant has been diagnosed with an ocular condition of interest including but not limited to: degenerative retinal diseases, optic atrophy, microphthalmia/anophthalmia, ciliopathy, and other ocular developmental or degenerative conditions.
  • Participant is free of eye diseases and could serve as an unaffected control. Participant's age, sex, and ethnicity must match an existing participant with one of the eye diseases under study. Control participants matched to AMD participants must not have drusen greater than 63 microns in size.
  • Adult participant is able to provide a punch skin biopsy and 30 mL of peripheral venous blood OR child participant is able to provide a punch skin biopsy and the lesser of 5 mL/kg or 30 mL of peripheral venous blood. Healthy, unaffected children will only have one skin punch biopsy done 3mm or less in size. In affected participants, an additional punch may be gathered if the initial sample does not contain adequate cells. This will be taken from children ages seven years and older. Sampling of ten occipital hairs and/or saliva may be pursued at the investigator's discretion. Participants not able to provide a skin biopsy or blood sample may opt to provide 100-200 ml of fresh urine. As a rule, samples will be collected on non-sedated/anesthetized participants. Sedation/anesthesia will NOT be used solely for the purpose of sample collection. In rare instances where a minor requires sedation for another medically indicated procedure, samples may be collected at the time of sedation/anesthesia. Because young children may not be able to cooperate with sample collection, those unable to provide a skin biopsy, urine sample or a blood sample may be excluded from the study, based on the judgment of the examining investigator.
  • Participant meets one of the following criteria:
  • Participant affected with an ocular condition is one year of age or older.
  • Participant affected with Best disease, L-ORD, or AMD is 18 years of age or older.
  • Unaffected participant is seven years of age or older and willing and able to provide assent.

Exclusion criteria

  • A participant is not eligible if any of the following exclusion criteria are present.
  • Participant is unable to comply with study procedures.
  • Participant has a systemic disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, compromises the ability to provide adequate samples. Examples of co-existing diseases that would exclude a participant include a bleeding diathesis or a genetic susceptibility to infections, particularly cutaneous infections. ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR CLNICAL-GRADE CELL LINE GENERATION: The additional eligibility criteria must be met for participants donating samples for the generation of clinical-grade cell lines. Inclusion Criteria
  • Participant must be greater than 18 years of age, as of the date of enrollment. There is no upper age limit for donor enrollment.
  • Participant is able to provide a punch skin biopsy and 200 ml of peripheral venous blood.
  • Participant is willing and eligible to co-enroll in NEI protocol 15-EI-0128. Exclusion Criteria
  • Participant has medical history that includes any of the following:
  • Thrombocytopenia or other blood dyscrasias
  • Bleeding diathesis
  • Antibiotic use within the prior 48 hours
  • Active cancer or history of cancer within the past five years
  • History of exposure to transfusion transmitted diseases including HIV and hepatitis B and C as defined by the Standards for Blood Banking and Transfusion Services, American Association of Blood Banks.
  • Travel to an area where malaria is endemic as defined by the CDC (www.cdc.gov/travel)
  • At risk for the possible transmission of Creuzefeldt-Jackob Disease (CJD) and Variant Creuzefeldt-Jackob Disease (vCJD) as described in the FDA Guidance for Industry, January 9, 2002, "Revised Preventive Measures to Reduce the Possible Risk of Transfusion of Creuzefeldt-Jackob Disease (CJD) and Variant Creuzefeldt-Jackob Disease (vCJD) by Blood and Blood Products"
  • Participant is currently febrile (temperature \> 38 degrees C)
  • Participant has Hemoglobin level:
  • African American women \<11.5 grams/dL
  • Other women \< 12.0 grams/dL
  • Men \<12.5 grams/dL
  • Participant has low hematocrit (HCT):
  • African American women \< 34%
  • Other women \<36%
  • Participant has Platelets \<150 x 103/microL
  • Participant has Absolute neutrophil count \<1.0 x 103/microL.
  • Participant has positive tests for blood borne pathogens (as required by the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, American Association of Blood Banks. The currently required tests include anti-HIV1/2, anti-HCV, anti-HBc, Anti-HTLV I/II, anti-T. Cruzi, HBsAg, syphilis, and molecular testing for West Nile virus, HCV, HBV, and HIV-1).

Where

  • Bethesda, Maryland

Related conditions & keywords

Retinal DiseaseAMDRetinal DegenerationRetinitis PigmentosaBest DiseaseLate-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD)Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)Natural HistoryAge-Related Macular Degeneration

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 Jun 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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If you're searching for Retinal Disease treatment in Bethesda, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Bethesda and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Retinal Disease. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 930 participants
Quick Start
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Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Retinal Disease?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Retinal Disease

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Retinal Disease Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT01432847. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.