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

HDSA awards more than $2.1M in support to Centers of Excellence

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) has awarded grants totaling more than $2.1 million to support its Centers of Excellence, which include multidisciplinary care teams with a track record of providing exemplary care for people with Huntington’s disease and their families. A total of 57 institutions…

High-fiber diet seen to improve memory in Huntington’s mice

Eating a high-fiber diet led to improvements in memory and reductions in depression-like behavior in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease, a new study reports. “What we found is very exciting. For the first time we’ve shown that high-fiber intake not only enhanced gastrointestinal function, it also improved cognition…

Chorea severity remains reduced after about 1 year on Ingrezza: Trial

Nearly a year of treatment with Neurocrine Biosciences’ Ingrezza (valbenazine) leads to sustained reductions in uncontrolled movements known as chorea in adults with Huntington’s disease, according to interim data from a Phase 3 trial called KINECT-HD2. “The 50-week data from the ongoing KINECT-HD2 study provide insight on the…

FDA names SAGE-718 orphan drug for Huntington’s disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug status to SAGE-718, Sage Therapeutics’ experimental oral therapy for Huntington’s disease. The FDA gives this designation to therapies that have the potential to treat rare diseases, which are defined as conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people…

Roberts: Ingrezza is chorea treatment that’s easier to take

The recent approval in the U.S. of Ingrezza (valbenazine) for adults with Huntington’s disease-associated chorea means patients now have access to a treatment option that’s likely easier to take, according to the chief medical officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, the therapy’s maker. “Ingrezza is always one capsule,…