Clinical Trials
Patient Information
Why Clinical Research Matters
Research is essential to advancing the understanding and treatment of ocular inflammatory disease (OID). Because many forms of OID remain uncommon and complex, continued research is needed to better understand these diseases, develop new treatments, improve existing therapies, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.
Clinical research studies evaluate potential new treatments, diagnostic tools, and approaches to care.
Participation by patients with OID helps researchers learn more about these diseases and determine whether new approaches are safe and effective.
At OIUF, we are committed to helping patients and families understand the role of research in advancing care and connecting interested patients with opportunities to participate.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a type of research study that evaluates a medical treatment, device, diagnostic approach, or other intervention in people. Clinical trials are conducted according to established protocols designed to protect participants and collect reliable information about the study intervention. Before a new treatment can be studied in people, it typically undergoes extensive laboratory and preclinical testing. Clinical trials then evaluate the treatment in stages, with each phase designed to answer different questions about safety, dosing, and effectiveness.
Clinical Trial Phases
- Phase I: Primarily evaluates safety, tolerability, and how the treatment behaves in the body, usually in a small group of participants.
- Phase II: Evaluates safety and effectiveness while determining the appropriate dose in people with the condition being studied.
- Phase III: Evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a treatment in a larger group of participants, often through randomized controlled studies.Not every research study follows these phases. Researchers may also conduct observational studies, studies of disease characteristics, studies of diagnostic tools, and other types of clinical research.
What Does Participating in Research Involve?
Taking part in a research study is voluntary and may involve a significant time commitment. Depending on the study, participants may be asked to attend additional visits, undergo blood work or imaging, complete questionnaires, or receive treatments or tests that are not part of their usual care. Each study has specific eligibility requirements and procedures. Before deciding whether to participate, potential participants receive information about the study through a process called informed consent. This gives participants the opportunity to understand the purpose of the study, what participation involves, potential risks and benefits, and their rights as a participant. Participation in a research study is always voluntary. Choosing not to participate, or choosing to leave a study, does not mean that you have to give up your regular medical care.
Finding Research Opportunities
OIUF does not currently conduct clinical trials directly. However, we recognize the important role that patients can play in advancing OID research and will provide information and resources to help patients find research opportunities for which they may be eligible. If you are interested in participating in research, clinical trials may be available through academic medical centers, research institutions, hospitals, or pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Eligibility varies from study to study, and having an ocular inflammatory disease does not necessarily mean that you will qualify for a particular trial. One resource for finding registered clinical trials is ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of clinical studies from around the world. Before enrolling in a study, we encourage you to discuss participation with your treating physician and carefully review the study information and informed consent materials.
Research and the Future of Ocular Inflammatory Disease
There is still much to learn about ocular inflammatory disease. Patient participation in research can help expand our understanding of these conditions and contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools, treatments, and approaches to care. By connecting patients with reliable information and research opportunities, OIUF hopes to help patients who wish to contribute to the future of OID research.
Find a Clinical Trial
Interested in participating in ocular inflammatory disease research? Below, you’ll find a selection of clinical trials currently recruiting or taking place in the OID community. These listings are provided as a resource to help patients explore potential research opportunities and do not represent an endorsement by OIUF of any particular study. Eligibility, locations, study requirements, and recruitment status vary by trial. Please review the full study information and speak with your physician to determine whether a study may be appropriate for you. For the most complete and up-to-date listing of registered clinical studies, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search for your specific condition or area of interest.
Possible Clinical Trial FAQs
Clinical trials may study many different forms of ocular inflammatory disease, including uveitis and inflammation associated with systemic autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Studies may focus on a specific type or location of inflammation, such as anterior, intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis, or may be designed for people with a particular underlying condition.
Because each study has its own eligibility requirements, having a diagnosis of OID does not necessarily mean you will qualify for a particular trial.
Every clinical trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. These may include your diagnosis and type of uveitis, age, how active your inflammation is, previous treatments, current medications, other medical conditions, and whether you have had certain procedures or complications.
For example, a study may require active inflammation, while another may require inflammation to be controlled. Some studies may require participants to have tried or failed certain medications before enrolling.
The study team—not OIUF—will determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
Possibly. Some studies specifically look for patients with active disease, while others may study people whose inflammation is controlled or who are receiving maintenance treatment.
If you are interested in research, it may still be worthwhile to look at available studies even if you are currently doing well.
It depends on the study. Some clinical trials allow participants to continue certain medications, while others may require participants to stop, reduce, or change particular treatments.
Do not stop or change your medications in order to qualify for a clinical trial. Discuss any potential study with your treating physician and the research team.
Not necessarily. Some trials involve additional visits or may take place at a different medical center from where you normally receive care.
Before enrolling, ask the research team how participation will affect your existing care and how communication between the study team and your regular ophthalmologist or other physicians will be handled.