This was my first conference and I am happy to say it was very encouraging. Professionals from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia came together to discuss Huntington's disease research in progress and possibilities for research in the future.

I will begin with an update on research projects underway. The RID-HD study, looking at the short-term effects of riluzole on Huntington's disease symptoms and the safety and tolerability of the drug, has been completed. The goal is to have results available by August.

Another trial, testing the effectiveness of the nutritional supplement Co-enzyme Q10 and the drug Remacemide in slowing Huntington's disease's progression (CARE-HD), is also nearing completion. Results should be analyzed by June of this year.

The PHAROS study is looking at initial signs of the disease in the at-risk population and possible factors that could influence the age of onset. Currently, over 400 of the 1000 total participants have been enrolled. If you are interested in participating, are between the ages 30-55, at risk for Huntington's disease, and have not been genetically tested, please contact the HSG coordination center at 800-487-7671 for more information.

A future project includes a study of Minocycline, which has been found to delay the progression of Huntington's disease in mice. A study to test the safety and tolerability of the drug in the Huntington's disease population is being reviewed and may begin as early as April of 2001.

Finally, the PREDICT-HD Study is also under review. If approved, we will be recruiting individuals ages 30-55 that have tested positive for the Huntington's disease gene expansion, but are not exhibiting motor symptoms.

As always, we will continue to do evaluations of everyone at risk for or having Huntington's disease. If interested, please contact us. We are anticipating a great year in Huntington's disease research, bringing us closer to ending this devastating disease.

by L. Stierman