Glaucoma Clinical Trials

There are currently about 40 clinical trials open for glaucoma patients globally. These trials span a diverse range of interventions, including novel neuroprotective therapies, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), electrical stimulation devices, and pharmacologic agents.

Among the notable trials, several are investigating neuroprotective approaches such as NT-501 encapsulated cell therapy (NCT04577300, NCT02862938), which aims to protect the optic nerve and potentially restore vision. Multiple trials are exploring electrical stimulation techniques using transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS) for vision neuroenhancement and treatment of optic neuropathies (NCT06685211, NCT05626426, NCT05626491, NCT06693882).

The MIGS device trials include studies of the XEN gel stents (XEN45 and XEN63), iStent Infinite trabecular micro-bypass system, MINIject implant, and other novel drainage devices. These trials are evaluating both standalone procedures and combination approaches with cataract surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Pharmacologic trials include studies of Rocklatan (netarsudil/latanoprost combination) examining retinal perfusion and pressure reduction after MIGS (NCT07174401, NCT07048886), as well as methazolamide for IOP lowering (NCT05498103). Several trials are also investigating laser trabeculoplasty techniques, including Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) in various patient populations.

Many of the trials are focused on device-based interventions, particularly MIGS procedures, which reflects the current trend in glaucoma management toward less invasive surgical options.

The Phase 2 neuroprotective trials represent a potentially paradigm-shifting approach, as they aim not just to lower intraocular pressure but to directly protect and potentially restore optic nerve function.

Promising neuroprotective agents include nicotinamide (vitamin B3), which showed improvement in visual field test locations in a phase 2 trial and is now being studied in multiple large trials with over 1,300 participants globally. Combination approaches using citicoline, coenzyme Q10, pyruvate, and other agents targeting complementary pathways show additive improvements in RGC function.

How to find open clinical trials

• Go to ClinicalTrials.gov.
• Enter "glaucoma" into the field "Condition/disease"

You can also find open clinical trials using an NCT number such as those I mentioned above (e.g., NCT04577300):

• Go to ClinicalTrials.gov.
• Paste the NCT number into the "Other terms" search field. (It also works even if you paste the trial number in the "Condition/disease" field.)