HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE CLINIC
Trials and Results
Co-enzyme Q10 And Remacemide Evaluation in Huntington Disease (CARE-HD)
The purpose of this trial is to analyse the effect of remacemide and co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the progression of HD. Excess activity of glutamate in the brain is postulated to be involved in neuron death in HD. Remacemide decreases activity of glutamate on target cells. Co-enzyme Q10 is an anti-oxidant, that helps neurons to cope with the stress of excessive glutamate. Results showed that remacemide has no benefit for persons in the early stages of HD. The study results about CoQ10 are inconclusive.
Open-Label Extension Study of Remacemide Hydrochloride (OLE)
The purpose of this trial is to assess the safety of long-term (28-month) exposure to remacemide hydrochloride (an investigational medication) in people with Huntington's Disease, as well as analyse the effect of remacemide hydrochloride on chorea, mood and mental functioning. The study was terminated because CARE-HD results showed that remacemide does not benefit HD patients.
Prospective Huntington At Risk Observational Study (PHAROS)
The PHAROS Project is an observational study in North America (US and Canada) of people ages 26 to 55 who are at risk for Huntington's Disease. During the study, subjects will be evaluated every nine (9) months (for a minimum period of 3 years) using a clinical survey known as the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), which looks at movement, psychological and behavioral function. The study is ongoing. Enrolment is closed.
Neurobiological Predictors of Huntington's Disease (PREDICT-HD)
The purpose of this study is to prepare for a trial of experimental drugs aimed at slowing or postponing the onset of HD. It aims to address questions about: (1) the earliest changes in the brain, intellect and behavior; (2) neurobiological factors that influence the age of onset; and (3) the most accurate tests that clinicians can use in detecting HD onset. The study is ongoing and enrolment is open.
Riluzole Dosing in Huntington's Disease (RID-HD)
The purpose of this trial is to analyze the short term effect of riluzole on chorea, mood and mental functioning as well as assess tolerability of different doses. Riluzole decreases the release of glutamate from neurons. It is also possible that it protects neurons from cell death by other mechanisms. Results showed that although riluzole showed some effect on chorea at the higher dose tested, it had unfavourable side-effects and it did not appear to benefit other features of HD.
A Study of Treatment with Ethyl-eicosapentaenoate in Patients with HD (Ethyl-EPA)
The purpose of this trial is to analyze the effect of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (ethyl-EPA) on chorea, mood, and mental functioning. Ethyl-EPA may prevent degeneration of nerve cells by preventing stress and damage to their external and internal membranes. It was found that patients with a CAG repeat length of less than 45 showed some improvement over a 12-month period. Results from a follow-up study were inconclusive.
