Could an old drug save your sight? disulfiram trial targets vision loss
NCT ID NCT05626920
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether disulfiram, a drug already approved for alcohol dependence, can improve vision in people with inherited retinal degeneration. The drug aims to block a harmful signaling pathway in the retina that worsens vision loss. Thirty adults with the condition will receive both disulfiram and a placebo in a crossover design to compare changes in retinal sensitivity and visual acuity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Disulfiram (250 mg oral tablet)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment to slow vision loss and improve remaining sight in people with inherited retinal diseases.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 1/2 trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Disulfiram can cause side effects like drowsiness or liver issues, and the benefit may be small or absent.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Washington-South Lake Union Retina Center
RECRUITINGSeattle, Washington, 98109, United States