Could a blood vessel drug reverse sudden blindness in giant cell arteritis?

NCT ID NCT03841734

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This trial investigates whether bosentan, a drug that blocks endothelin and relaxes blood vessels, can help people who suddenly lose vision from giant cell arteritis (Horton's disease). Standard steroid treatment often fails to restore sight once blindness occurs. The study enrolls 8 adults with recent vision loss and gives them bosentan for 14 days alongside usual care. Researchers measure changes in visual acuity and visual fields to see if early treatment can limit permanent damage.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Bosentan

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a treatment that restores some vision after sudden blindness caused by giant cell arteritis.

What could go wrong

This is a very small early-phase trial with only 8 participants, so results may not apply widely. Bosentan also carries risks like liver toxicity and may not improve vision at all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

blindness (disorder) Giant Cell Arteritis temporal arteritis Vision, Low

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CH de Cannes

    Cannes, France