News

Enzymes play opposing roles in Huntington’s disease development

Two signaling enzymes, GSK3-beta and ERK1, play opposing roles in the development of Huntington’s disease and may represent new therapeutic targets, a study showed. “We propose that ERK1 may protect neurons in the face of Huntington’s disease, while [GSK3-beta] may exacerbate Huntington’s disease,” Shermali Gunawardena, PhD, the study’s senior…

Focusing on the journey for Huntington’s Awareness Month

The emphasis of this year’s Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, celebrated each May, is on the patient journey. Also, International Huntington’s Disease Awareness Day is May 15. Huntington’s disease, sometimes known as HD, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition believed to impact 4.9 per 100,000 people globally, including some…

FDA names AMT-130 a Huntington’s breakthrough therapy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated uniQure’s gene therapy candidate AMT-130 a breakthrough therapy for its potential to slow the progression of Huntington’s disease, according to the developer. This status is intended to speed the development and review of medications for serious or life-threatening illnesses…

Data on medicines for Huntington’s psychiatric symptoms lacking

Mental health problems are common in Huntington’s disease, but there isn’t much data on patients’ use of psychiatric medications, a review study reports. “Although [neuropsychiatric problems] in [Huntington’s disease] are common, hardly any clinical trials have addressed their treatment,” the study’s researchers wrote. “As a result, evidence that…