Could a liver drug help people see color? tiny trial launched
NCT ID NCT04041232
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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2 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients harboring mutations in ATF6 present with decreased retinal function Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are minors * Patients who are pregnant
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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