Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Asklepios Biopharmaceutical (AskBio) has launched a first-in-human clinical trial testing AB-1001 — an experimental gene therapy designed to modulate cholesterol metabolism in the brain — in people with Huntington’s disease. The trial is currently recruiting participants at a site in Paris. It is open to adults, ages 18…

A Phase 1/2a clinical trial testing VO659, Vico Therapeutics’ experimental therapy, in people with Huntington’s disease and other hereditary neurological disorders caused by a similar type of mutation has dosed the first patient. “We are encouraged by the continued progress of our development program and very pleased to…

Using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence, researchers were able to cluster people with Huntington’s disease into three groups based on the speed at which the disease progresses, a study showed. “Machine learning approaches such as this could be considered for application in real-world clinical practice to support…

Austedo XR, a new extended-release formulation of Austedo (deutetrabenazine) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with chorea — involuntary muscle contractions — associated with Huntington’s disease. Austedo XR contains the same active agent as the original therapy, but is taken just once a day, with…

Treatment with antioxidant compounds called fullerenols showed neuroprotective effects in a fruit fly model of Huntington’s disease, particularly at early ages, according to a new study. These findings add to a number of studies highlighting the role of oxidative stress in Huntington’s, and suggest that fullerenols may have…

In Huntington’s disease, neurodegeneration in a brain region called the striatum differs not only across different types of neurons, but also across distinct striatal compartments, according to a study of brain samples from a Huntington’s patient and mouse models. The striosomes, the striatal compartment involved in regulating mood, was more…

Branaplam (LMI070), an experimental oral therapy for Huntington’s disease that’s currently in early clinical trials, reduces levels of the mutant huntingtin protein by interfering with a process called mRNA splicing, a new study reveals. “Here, we delineated the mechanism of action of Branaplam,” researchers wrote. The study, “…

Palliative care training for all clinicians on an interdisciplinary team can increase the number of discussions about advanced care planning for people with Huntington’s disease, a new study shows. “To our knowledge, this is the first description of primary palliative care for Huntington’s disease in which all interdisciplinary team…

Many U.S. clinics treating people with Huntington’s disease reported difficulties in accessing needed professionals — such as genetic counselors, social workers, and dietitians — to help provide multidisciplinary care to patients with the progressive disorder, according to a survey-based study. Researchers billed the study, which involved more than 150…

Reduced volumes of gray matter in certain regions of the brain are tied to poorer quality of life in people with Huntington’s disease, a new study reports. The study, “Brain, cognitive, and physical disability correlates of decreased quality of life in patients with Huntington’s disease,” was…