Riluzole Dosing in Huntington's Disease (RID-HD)

Riluzole Dosing in Huntington's Disease (RID-HD)

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HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE CLINIC

RID-HD is a drug trial for symptomatic individuals conducted in collaboration with the Huntington Study Group, University of Rochester, New York, USA.

Overview

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.

Design

  • 63 participants in Canada and the US (8 at UBC)

  • Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

    • Group 1: Placebo

    • Group 2: Riluzole 100 mg/day

    • Group 3: Riluzole 200 mg/day

  • Six clinical evaluations during 10 weeks including:

    • Neurological examination

    • Psychological and behavioral assessments

    • Blood samples

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in this study, patients must:

  • Be 18 years or older;

  • Exhibit early stages of HD; and

  • Have a support person accompanying to two visits.

Outcome

The trial, started in February 2000 is now complete. 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.

Riluzole was found to be safe and well-tolerated by HD subjects at the highest dosage tested (200 mg/day), although liver function must be monitored. Riluzole improves chorea in HD, without impacting other clinical features of the illness over 8 weeks (Abstract, 19th International Meeting of the World Federation of Neurology Research Group on Huntington's Disease, Copenhagen, Denmark, August 2001).

Site Investigation Team

  • Dr. Lynn Raymond (site investigator)

  • Joji Decolongon (site co-ordinator)

For further information please call +1 (604) 822-7928 or email Joji Decolongon at joji@cmmt.ubc.ca.