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The Lighthouse Study

Currently Recruiting

24 Nov 2026

Up to $11,850

Melbourne, Australia

Stargardt disease (STGD1) is one of the most common inherited eye conditions that begins in childhood, affecting around 1 in 8,000 people worldwide. It causes vision to gradually worsen over time, with symptoms often starting early in life. Many people with STGD1 become legally blind in their twenties or early thirties. 

Currently, there are no approved medications to treat STGD1. 

The study drug is designed to lower a protein in the body called RBP4, which normally carries vitamin A from the liver to the eye. In Stargardt disease, vitamin A can contribute to the buildup of harmful substances that damage the retina. By reducing RBP4, the drug aims to limit how much vitamin A reaches the eye. This may help reduce this harmful buildup and slow vision loss over time. 

Apply now Speak with us 1300 703 895

Join our clinical trial

This is a first-in-human (FIH) study, meaning it is the first time the potential treatment is being tested in people. The study has been carefully designed with strict safety protocols and has been approved by an independent ethics committee. It is not known whether the study drug may cause unexpected, serious, or life-threatening side effects. While these are considered unlikely, you will be carefully monitored throughout the study and provided with prompt treatment if any such effects occur. 

Before joining, you’ll receive detailed information about the study, meet with a doctor, and have the chance to ask any questions. 

What to expect

  • Participation in a monitored clinical environment 
  • Study visits scheduled  
  • Support from a professional medical team 
  • Reimbursement for your time and commitment 

Study schedule

 

Intake 1 In-clinic stay:

24 November 2026 – 27 November 2026

 Follow-up visits:

2 December 2026 – 23 May 2027
Approx. 12 visits during this period
Intake 2 In-clinic stay:

30 November 2026 – 3 December 2026

 Follow-up visits:

8 December 2026 – 29 May 2027
Approx. 12 visits during this period

Study dates are subject to change. Our team will confirm details with you during the screening process.

Trial details

Study duration

  • 3 night stay
  • 12 follow-up visits

Study medication

The study drug is administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen.

Additional eligibility

  • Weight of at least 40 kg 
  • BMI between 18 and 32kg/m2   
  • Non-smokers, or smoking no more than 5 cigarettes (or equivalent) per day, within 3 months prior to screening 
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding   
  • Willing to follow contraception guidelines (If applicable)  
  • Willing and able to attend all study visits and follow instructions   

Ethics

An independent ethics committee has approved this clinical trial.

Are you a match?

Age

18 - 45 years old

Remuneration

Up to $11,850 *with screening reimbursement.
Full details outlined in consent form.

Gender

Male, Female or Female of non-childbearing potential

BMI

BMI 18 - 32 kg/m2

Commitment

3 nights, 12 clinic visits

Medical condition

Not taking any medications

Register your interest

This form takes around 3–5 minutes to complete. Your information will remain confidential and is used only to assess your eligibility for current or future research studies.
Step 1 of 3
Contact Information




The phone number you have entered does not appear to be a valid active Australian phone number. Please check your details and enter a valid Australian phone number starting with +61

Nucleus Network does not currently conduct clinical trials in your state. If you would like to receive study information should this situation change, please complete and submit this form.
Personal Information

This includes registering your interest with the Centre for Clinical Studies, Q-Pharm or Nucleus Network

Please call us on 1800 243 733


What is your date of birth?
Day Month Year

You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in clinical trials.


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Step 2 of 3
Medical History

We regularly have studies that allow participants who are (social) smokers.

We define an allergy as severe if symptoms include mouth/throat/face swelling, shortness of breath or a whole-body rash, or if it required hospitalisation

We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with asthma.



We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with medical conditions.

Medications & Contraception Requirements

We regularly have studies that allow participants with depression that is well-managed on a stable dose of medication.

If the only prescription medication you currently use is hormonal contraception and/or Ventolin, please select No above. We regularly have studies that allow for participants who take a stable dose of prescription medication.


  • Abstinence from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for at least 2 months
  • Using a condom + your female sexual partner(s) using a separate form of birth control
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a vasectomy/hysterectomy
  • Your sexual partner(s) are post-menopausal


Only you taking birth control or your partner(s) using a condom is not an acceptable option, but using both together is. The morning after pill is not an acceptable form of birth control.

  • Abstinence, by choice, from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for the last 2 months + remaining abstinent for at least 2 months after study participation
  • You using birth control + your male sexual partner(s) using a condom
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a hysterectomy/vasectomy
  • You are post-menopausal



Step 3 of 3
Study Preferences

While longer studies generally have a higher reimbursement, there are also studies with multiple short stays that have high reimbursements.
Referral Information


Consent to Information Use and Future Contact