Principal Investigator

A.Azuara-Blanco                                            

Name of the Study

NAMinG

Why is this Study important?

Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG) is a common chronic optic neuropathy causing progressive deterioration in vision. OAG is the world’s commonest cause of irreversible blindness. The major risk factors for OAG are raised eye pressure (Intra-Ocular Pressure; IOP) and greater age.

All current treatments for glaucoma are licensed on the basis of their ability to lower IOP. There are no licensed treatments to reduce optic nerve (ON) susceptibility (‘neuroprotective’ treatments).

This trial proposes a neuroprotective oral treatment to make the ON more resistant to IOP and there is strong evidence that mitochondrial function is associated with OAG susceptibility, and that nicotinamide (NAM) improves mitochondrial function.

What is the Research question/aim?:

A successful outcome would lead to greatly reduced sight loss due to glaucoma. Treatment with pills may also be easier for patients as it may reduce the need for drops, which many patients find difficult. Additionally, it would significantly reduce the cost to the NHS for glaucoma treatment.

What the Study involves:

NAMinG is a low-risk trial investigating vitamin B3, which can be found in food or used as a dietary supplement. The IMP is a tablet, which is easier to administer than the current standard of care treatment, which is eye drops.

Participants will be able to record side effects experienced in their dosing diaries which will be reviewed at each clinic visit. In between the clinic visits contact will continue to be made via telephone calls to monitor progress. Blood samples will be taken at study visits.

Who can take part in the Study?

Adults with recently diagnosed (within 12 months) early to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG)

Contact Information:

Seosamh Rogers - Research Optometrist | s.rogers@qub.ac.uk

NI Clinical Research Facility

U Floor - Belfast City Hospital

Lisburn Road

BT9 7AB