This study was originally designed to test the efficacy of topical cysteamine for the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation in patients with cystinosis. It was started in 1986, and by 1993 the efficacy of cysteamine drops had been established, at which time benzalkonium was added to the formulation as a preservative. In the years that followed, two variations of the formula were studied, neither proving as efficacious as the original. That formula, consisting of cysteamine 0.5% plus benzalkonium, has been used since 2001. It received FDA approval in 2012, and was available commercially through Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals as of May 2013.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Investigator-Initiated Intramural Research Projects (ZIA)
Project #
1ZIAEY000519-02
Application #
8737678
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$94,557
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Eye Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code