Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

LETI-101 lowers mutant HTT protein in preclinical models

LETI-101, an experimental gene-editing therapy for Huntington’s disease, showed promising proof-of-concept effects in mouse and cell models by reducing levels of the disease-causing mutant huntingtin (HTT) protein, while preserving HTT’s healthy version. In nonhuman primates, the therapy showed good safety and distribution across brain regions profoundly impacted by Huntington’s. The…

DNA repair genes contribute to Huntington’s, mouse study suggests

Specific genes involved in repairing mismatched DNA contribute to the development of Huntington’s disease by driving fast somatic CAG repeat expansion — a phenomenon in which Huntington’s-causing mutations grow, or expand, during a person’s lifetime, scientists report. Their study, done in a mouse model of Huntington’s, showed that targeting…

Top 10 Huntington’s stories of 2024

Throughout 2024, the team at Huntington’s Disease News covered the latest developments in research and news related to Huntington’s disease. Here we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most read stories, each with a brief summary. We look forward to continuing to serve the Huntington’s community throughout…

Phase 1/2 trial data may support AMT-130 approval, FDA says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed that results from two ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials, compared with an external control group of untreated patients, might be sufficient to support an application seeking accelerated approval of AMT-130 for Huntington’s disease, the treatment’s developer said. Key measures…

Heart medication may slow Huntington’s disease progression

Beta-blockers, a class of medicines often used to manage heart and blood pressure issues, may slow the onset and progression of Huntington’s disease, according to data from Enroll-HD, the world’s largest observational study in Huntington’s. “Given that there are no disease-modifying agents for HD [Huntington’s disease], the possibility that…

Ingrezza treatment eases chorea regardless of sex, age: Trial data

Ingrezza (valbenazine), an approved treatment for chorea, or uncontrolled movements, related to Huntington’s disease, shows similar effectiveness among patients irrespective of factors like sex, age, or disease severity, according to a new analysis of data from a Phase 3 clinical trial. Moreover, a separate data analysis from…