RecruitingPhase 1

The Effects of Disulfiram (Antabuse®) on Visual Acuity in Patients With Retinal Degeneration

United States15 participantsStarted 2025-05-19

Plain-language summary

Oral disulfiram (Antabuse®) has been shown to improve image-forming vision in animal models with retinal degeneration due to its ability to decrease Retinoic Acid synthesis and consequently reduce hyperactivity in the inner retina. The investigator will aim to evaluate the impact of oral disulfiram on the vision of patients with retinal degeneration who are being treated with the drug in the management of their concurrent alcohol use disorder.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All sexes, 18 years and older. * Participants must speak English, understand, and sign the informed consent document. * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. * In good general health as evidenced by medical history and with a clinical diagnosis of inherited retinal dystrophy or dry-AMD. * Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 (with constriction or other defects of Goldmann visual field) to Light Perception in the better eye. * Intact inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform, and ganglion cell layer on macular SD-OCT. * Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the disulfiram regimen. * Patients must have the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder provided by an addiction specialist and be a candidate for therapeutic use of disulfiram for that condition. * Patients must agree to refrain from all alcohol consumption for 180 days. * Any female participant of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening. * Any female participant of childbearing potential must have (or have a partner who has) had a surgical sterilization (vasectomy, hysterectomy, or tubal ligation), be completely abstinent from intercourse or must agree to practice two acceptable methods of contraception throughout the course of the study and for at least one week after disulfiram discontinuation. Acceptable methods of contraception include hormonal contraception (i.e., birth con…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

mean change in Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) score assessed by ETDRS

Timeframe: baseline to day 180

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06319872

SponsorUniversity of Rochester

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-05-19

Contact for this trial

Evan Burr

585- 275-5234 evan_burr@urmc.rochester.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Alcohol Use Disorder trials