Pioneering Stargardt disease trial now recruiting

Posted: Friday 24 May 2019

Researchers in Southampton are recruiting patients for the trial of a new drug that could prevent sight loss caused by Stargardt disease.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is conducting a clinical trial of Remofuscin alongside ophthalmic clinics in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Led by Professor Andrew Lotery, the hospital is part of a £5 million EU funded research project – the first ever of its kind in the UK.

Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy, is currently untreatable. Is the most common form of macular dystrophy, affecting approximately one in 10,000 people.

The study will last for up to 14 months, with participants being expected to visit the study hospital at least 11 times. They will also need to meet a number of strict criteria to be eligible to take part, including having genetically confirmed Stargardt disease (at least two ABCA4 mutations) with a documented onset of the disease before the age of 45.

Anyone interested in taking part in the trial, or for more information on eligibility criteria, please contact the Ophthalmology Research Team at Southampton General Hospital at