Stargardt Disease Therapeutics involves the treatment of the central retina along with the intake of vitamin A-deficit diet

 

Stagardt disease is an uncommon autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. It commonly presents as a scaly red lesion that appears on the eyelid, behind the ear, or in the mouth. The disease typically affects children, and most cases can be treated with topical eye drops, rashes, or oral medications. No rigorous blood tests must be performed to determine the presence of the disease. Since the symptoms can also mimic other eye diseases, it is important that an appropriate testing protocol be followed for each patient.

Stargardt disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in scarring in the intestines. When this scarring occurs, it blocks the passage of nutrients and waste materials from the small intestine to the colon. This can result in constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel problems. Stargardt disease therapeutics include removing the scar as well as using a drug to encourage the growth of healthy cells and fibers in the gut wall and intestine walls.

Currently, there are several clinical trials taking place to test the safety and efficacy of a new drug specifically formulated to prevent Stargardt disease. For instance, in June 2020, according to a study from the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), over-consumption of vitamin A was found to be a potential cause for the severity of Stargardt disease and patients were recommended to avoid vitamin A supplements. A clinical trial evaluating the combination of these two drugs is currently undergoing enrollment and will conclude with a report detailing the results. If the results of the clinical trial are positive, then the two drugs could be approved as a single medicine under the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Another treatment option being considered by investigators is embryo transfer. This is another option that has been controversial due to its high success rates. The investigators have, however, determined that there is a high probability of this treatment being effective for patients suffering from Stargardt disease. These are only a few of the Stargardt disease therapeutics and embryo transfer candidates being studied.