Trial of L-DOPA as a Treatment to Improve Vision in Albinism

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2014-12-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This project will evaluate the effect of two doses of levodopa (L-DOPA) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial to see if vision can be improved in individuals with albinism. The hypothesis is that providing L-DOPA to the retinas of these individuals may increase melanin pigment production. Increased melanin has previously been shown to be associated with improved vision.

• Phase: Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University of Minnesota; University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute
• Treatments: Levodopa; Pharmaceutical Solutions

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 3 to 60 years with albinism

Exclusion Criteria:

• Glaucoma or at increased risk of glaucoma

• History of dystonia

• History of melanoma

• Planning to undergo eye muscle surgery during study time frame

• Undergoing vision therapy

• Taking iron supplements or vitamins with iron

• Taking medication for ADHD

• Known liver or gastrointestinal disease

• Previous treatment with levodopa

• Psychological problems

• Ocular abnormalities other than those associated with albinism

• Pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant during study

• Known allergy to levodopa/carbidopa