Could a liver drug help people see color? tiny trial launched
NCT ID NCT04041232
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether an FDA-approved drug called glycerol phenylbutyrate (PBA) can improve vision in people with a rare form of color blindness caused by mutations in the ATF6 gene. Only 2 participants are enrolled, and they will take PBA three times daily while their vision is monitored with various tests. The study is currently suspended, so results are not yet available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- glycerol phenylbutyrate (PBA)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment to improve vision in people with a rare form of color blindness caused by ATF6 mutations.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, tiny trial (only 2 participants) that is currently suspended. Even if results are positive, much larger studies would be needed to confirm any benefit.
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
-
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.