Alkeus Launches Phase 3 Stargardt Trial - Report - MDSpire

Alkeus Launches Phase 3 Stargardt Trial

  • By

  • Carlos Quezada Ruiz, MD

  • July 15, 2026

  • 2 min

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Clinical Report: Alkeus Launches Phase 3 Stargardt Trial

Overview

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals has initiated the global phase 3 NORTHSTAR trial to evaluate gildeuretinol for Stargardt disease. This trial aims to enroll approximately 230 patients and assess the treatment's effects on retinal atrophic lesions and low-luminance visual acuity over a 24-month period.

Background

Stargardt disease is a genetic retinal disorder that leads to vision loss and currently lacks an approved disease-modifying therapy. The NORTHSTAR trial is designed to evaluate gildeuretinol, which has been studied in earlier trials.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The NORTHSTAR trial is a global, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study.
  • Approximately 230 patients will be enrolled, randomized 1:1 to receive either placebo or gildeuretinol.
  • The primary endpoint is the change in the rate of growth of retinal atrophic lesions from month 6 to month 24.
  • A key secondary endpoint is the change from baseline in low-luminance visual acuity.
  • Positive results were previously observed in the TEASE-2 trial for low-luminance visual acuity.
  • Gildeuretinol has shown benefits in a geographic atrophy program, indicating its potential efficacy across related retinal diseases.

Clinical Implications

The NORTHSTAR trial may provide data on the efficacy of gildeuretinol in managing Stargardt disease.

Conclusion

The launch of the NORTHSTAR trial is an important development in the search for therapies for Stargardt disease.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Pivotal Global Phase 3 NORTHSTAR Study of Oral Gildeuretinol in Stargardt Disease, 2026 -- Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Pivotal Global Phase 3 NORTHSTAR Study of Oral Gildeuretinol in Stargardt Disease
  2. Retinal Physician, Phase 3 Study of Gildeuretinol Begins, 2026 -- Phase 3 Study of Gildeuretinol Begins
  3. Ophthalmology Management, First Patient Dosed in Oral Gildeuretinol Stargardt Disease Phase 3 Study, 2026 -- First Patient Dosed in Oral Gildeuretinol Stargardt Disease Phase 3 Study
  4. Optometric Management, First Patient Dosed in Oral Gildeuretinol Stargardt Disease Phase 3 Study, 2026 -- First Patient Dosed in Oral Gildeuretinol Stargardt Disease Phase 3 Study
  5. Retinal Physician — Oral Gildeuretinol Slows Stargardt Progression
  6. Update on the Management of ABCA4 Retinopathy (Stargardt Disease)
  7. EURETINA IRD Consensus Supplement
  8. Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. » Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Pivotal Global Phase 3 NORTHSTAR Study of Oral Gildeuretinol in Stargardt Disease
  9. Study Details | NCT07419334 | Study of ALK-001 on the Progression of Stargardt Disease | ClinicalTrials.gov
  10. Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. » Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Announces Two Presentations of Oral Gildeuretinol Data During the 48th Annual Meeting of the Macula Society Being Held February 12-15, 2025
  11. Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. » Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentation of Positive Interim TEASE-3 Study Data in Early-Stage Stargardt Disease Patients Treated with Oral Gildeuretinol
  12. Microsoft Word - Alkeus ASRS TEASE-3 update press release_08072025_final
  13. Potential Oral Stargardt Treatment Advances to Phase 3 Clinical Trial — Foundation Fighting Blindness
  14. New Hope for People Living with a Disease Once Deemed Untreatable: Belite Bio Announces Positive Topline Results from the Pivotal Global, Phase 3 DRAGON Trial of Tinlarebant in Adolescents with Stargardt Disease | Belite Bio, Inc.
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  20. Ascidian Completes Dose Escalation Portion of Phase 1/2 STELLAR Trial of ACDN-01 for Stargardt Disease and Announces Expanded Clinical Study Plans
  21. Study Details | NCT06467344 | Study to Evaluate ACDN-01 in ABCA4-related Stargardt Retinopathy (STELLAR) | ClinicalTrials.gov
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  23. AAVantgarde Bio Announces FDA Fast Track Designation for AAVB-039 for the Treatment of Stargardt Disease - News - AAVantgarde
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