NCT06435000 · Splice Bio
An Observational Study in Subjects to Follow the Progression of Stargardt Disease Type 1 (STGD1) Caused by Bi-Allelic Autosomal Recessive Mutations in the ABCA4 Gene
(POLARIS)
What this study is about
This is an Observational Study to Follow the Progression of Stargardt Disease Type 1 (STGD1) Caused by Bi-Allelic Autosomal Recessive Mutations in the ABCA4 Gene This is a conducted at multiple hospitals study which will enroll approximately 75 subjects
View original scientific description
This is an Observational Study to Follow the Progression of Stargardt Disease Type 1 (STGD1) Caused by Bi-Allelic Autosomal Recessive Mutations in the ABCA4 Gene This is a multicenter study which will enroll approximately 75 subjects
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
- Provide written consent
- Are male or female aged 12-65 years old
- Have a diagnosis of STGD1 caused by bi-allelic likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants in the ABCA4 gene confirmed genotypically by an accredited genotyping laboratory
- Have a history of STGD1 progression within the last 2 years, in the opinion of the investigator.
- Eligible eye(s) must have:
- BCVA of between 24-88 ETDRS letters, inclusive (20/20 - 20/320 Snellen equivalent, 0.0-1.2 logMAR) at the Screening Visit.
- Clinical evidence of a macular lesion phenotypically consistent with Stargardt Disease.
- Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) measurement of definitely decreased autofluorescence (DDAF) as measured by the Central Reading Center (CRC).
- Total lesion must be imaged in its entirety.
- All total lesion borders must be ≥300 microns from all image edges.
- Eligible eye(s) must have clear ocular media and adequate pupillary dilation, including no allergy to dilating eyedrops, to permit good quality retinal imaging.
Exclusion criteria
- Are an immediate family member (e.g., child, sibling) of the Sponsor or study site personnel.
- Have any concurrent ocular disease that would affect study procedures or outcomes (e.g., cataracts; subjects can be enrolled 90 days after successful cataract surgery) in eligible eyes.
- Have two likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants (not STGD1) in autosomal recessive inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) genes or a single likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant in autosomal dominant or X-linked IRD genes.
- Have had any intraocular surgery or thermal laser within 90 days of study entry or any prior thermal laser in the macular region within the eligible eye(s).
- Have any major surgical procedure within 30 days of the Screening Visit or planned or anticipated major surgery during the study period.
- Are unwilling to stop taking the following products at Screening and throughout the study:
- Supplements containing vitamin A or beta-carotene, liver-based products.
- Prescription oral retinoids.
- Have actively participated in an investigational therapy study or have received any investigational therapy within 90 days of the Screening Visit or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer. Note: any ophthalmic history of gene therapy, stem cell therapy, surgical implantation of prosthetic retinal chips, or intravitreal or sub-retinal injections exclude the subject from study participation.
- Have known serious allergies to the fluorescein dye that might be used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular dilating drops, topical ocular anesthetic, or any history of anaphylaxis reaction.
- Have a history of amblyopia in the eligible eye(s).
- Have any significant ocular or non-ocular disease/disorder (or medication and/or laboratory test abnormalities) which, in the opinion of the investigator and with concurrence of the Medical Monitor, may either put the subject at risk because of participation in the study, may influence the results of the study, or affect the subject's ability to participate in the study.
Where
- San Diego, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Gainesville, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- New York, New York
- Durham, North Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- Dallas, Texas
And 1 more location — see the full list below.
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 Sep 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations