AAVantgarde is testing a gene therapy called AAVB-081 for people with Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B). The study is called LUCE-1. It is a Phase 1/2 trial, which means its main goals are to check that the treatment is safe and to look for early signs that it may help.
In October 2026, Prof. Francesca Simonelli shared new results at EURetina, a meeting of retina specialists in Vienna, Austria. Fifteen adults received the treatment at one of three dose levels. As of August 3, 2026, AAVantgarde reported no serious side effects. Twelve people who received the low or middle dose had been followed for at least six months. Some of them showed early signs of better vision.
This is an open-label study, which means everyone in the study knew they were getting the treatment. AAVantgarde says it plans to keep studying the treatment and to follow participants’ vision over a longer time. Enrollment in the study was completed in January 2026.
Read AAVantgarde’s announcement
View the study on ClinicalTrials.gov
