Huntington's Disease Clinical Trials 2022

What Are Huntington's Disease Clinical Trials?

Huntington's disease is an inherited, rare disorder that results in a gradual degeneration of the brain's nerve cells. This disease has a major impact on the functional abilities of an individual and causes psychiatric, cognitive, and movement disorders.

The symptoms of this disease can occur at any time but typically start appearing between the ages of 30 and 40. If this disorder appears in an individual below 20 years, it is known as juvenile Huntington's disease. In this case, the progression of the disease is faster, and the symptoms slightly differ.

While multiple treatments and medications help manage the symptoms, there is no cure, and no treatment can prevent behavioral, mental, and physical decline.

Why Is Huntington's Disease Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

One in 10,000 individuals in the US suffers from Huntington's disease. Around 16% of all Huntington's cases are juvenile Huntington's disease. This disease isn't prevalent in a particular population since all ethnic groups and races are affected.

There is ongoing research and clinical trials to find innovative treatments to cure this disease. Some progress has been made in finding potential means of halting or slowing down the progression of this disease. Moreover, multiple treatments are being tested in clinical trials to determine their effectiveness and safety.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Huntington's Disease?

While there is currently no treatment to slow or cure Huntington's disease progression, there are multiple medications that help in managing the symptoms. Medications, including amantadine, tetrabenazine, and haloperidol, are given to manage the unusual movements.

The healthcare provider prescribes tetrabenazine and haloperidol to control delusional thoughts and hallucinations. Suicidal thoughts and depression are also common in Huntington's disease, for which antianxiety and antidepressants are prescribed.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Huntington's Disease?

2022: The Pridopidine phase 3 study has been identified as a breakthrough in Huntington's disease field and could assist in finding the treatment. The PROOF-HD clinical trial is an ongoing study that indicates pridopidine as a potential treatment for ALS, Huntington’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Pridopidine activates and binds the Sigma-1 receptor located in the brain at high levels. The drug can enhance neurotrophic factor production when this receptor is activated. These protein levels are at low levels in individuals suffering from Huntington's, and by targeting them, researchers believe there could be therapy or treatment to slow down the disease's progression.

2021: The scientists at the University of Cambridge and ULC have identified a mechanism that could prevent the progression of this disease in the cells. Researchers believe this breakthrough could result in innovative therapies for Huntington's disease. Medication that could potentiate or mimic the mismatch repair of FAN inhibition might alter the course of this disease. The team has started using this discovery to find effective therapies for Huntington's disease.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting Huntington's Disease Clinical Trials Research?

European Huntington’s Disease Network: This is a nonprofit network dedicated to accelerating the research related to Huntington's disease. The network supports and funds clinical and research development at different stages – from applied and basic science to the development and clinical trials of clinical assessment tools, treatment strategies, and other guidelines.

Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA): This is a nonprofit institution supporting the individuals affected by this disease. The team is dedicated to providing education, funding research and trials, and providing authentic information to help individuals with Huntington's disease.