Clinical Research & Trials NEW

Current HD Clinical Trials & Research Projects At USF & Elsewhere

Florida Huntington's Disease patients will not only find clinical care and family services at the HDSA Center of Excellence at USF but may also be eligible to take part in many new, exciting research studies.

The HDSA CoE at USF is part of the Huntington Study Group [HSG], a consortium of clinical investigators in HD.

This group has an international database which aims to increase awareness of the clinical features of Huntingon''s disease including the rate of disease progression.

Our researchers are also involved in other investigations on Huntington's Disease with the Huntington Project and at the USF Health Science Center.

COMING SOON - Search the HDSA's database of clinical trials that are currently recruiting to find one near you. Search by your state or nearby states which you are able to travel. To learn more click here: HDSA Research & Clinical Trials

A MUST read for all HD families is this article written for the HDSA by Dr. Marsha Miller, June 2008 - HD Therapies in the Pipeline

HDTrials.Org

There is hope on the horizon for people with Huntington's Disease. There are many Clinical Studies underway, and a number of potential therapies may move into Clinical Trial phases in the very near future. Volunteers are needed for ongoing trials and many more will be needed for future trials. HDTrials.org has been created to enable clinical trial participation, the HDTrials.org web site will provide quick notification to Huntington families of opportunities for participation in clinical trials and studies through a confidential email list.

Click here to: Register at HDTrials.org

CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS AT THE HDSA USF CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

The USF HDSA Center of Excellence is currently participating in the below clinical trials. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in participating in one of these studies, contact the Clinic Coordinator, Marci McCall at 813-974-6022.

DIMOND

A Multi-Center, Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study of Dimebon in Subjects with Huntington’s Disease.

The Huntington Study Group (HSG) is conducting a clinical study "A Multi-Center, Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study of Dimebon in Subjects With Huntington Disease" (DIMOND) with the research medication – Dimebon – in patients who have mild to moderate Huntington disease (HD).

Dimebon is an investigational medication that has been shown to inhibit brain cell death in models of HD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In a 12-month study of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Dimebon was well-tolerated and significantly improved cognition and memory, behavior, activities of daily living and overall function when compared to placebo. The safety of Dimebon has also been evaluated in a one-week study in HD patients. The current study will assess the effects of Dimebon on cognition, memory, behavior, and motor function of HD patients, as well as the safety and tolerability of the drug when administered over a 3 month period.

Recruitment for DIMOND is now in progress

This is a phase 2 trial of Medivation’s research compound called Dimebon [an antihistamine agent] . The study will be accepting participants over 18 years of age with mild to moderate Huntington’s disease. The trial aims to enroll about 90 volunteers. There is no cost to participate in the study.

Individuals with mild-to-moderate Huntington disease who are interested in participating in this study should contact USF

2-CARE

This 31-month-long study. CARE-HD is attempting to determine if the progression of HD can be slowed by treatment with Remacemide and/or Co-enyzme Q-10.

COHORT

Cooperative Huntington’s Observational

Research Trial

COHORT is a multi-site, long-term observational study. Our goal is to collect information in order to learn more about HD (such as potential treatments, planning of future experimental drug studies, and work toward postponing the onset or slowing the progression of HD). The study will be open to both adults and children who have clinically diagnosed HD, and to adults who are part of HD families.

Participation in COHORT is voluntary, and visits will be scheduled annually for as long as individuals are able and choose to participate. At the initial visit (year one) a blood sample will be drawn for genetic testing of CAG repeat and other possible biomarkers. Medical and neurological evaluations will be performed at each yearly visit; these include standardized assessments of movement, thinking, memory, ability to perform everyday tasks and behavior. Participants will be asked to provide information about medical history and their current medications

The goal of COHORT is to collect information in order to learn more about HD, potential treatments, and to plan future research studies of experimental drugs aimed at postponing the onset or slowing the progression of HD.

This study will recruit both adults and children who have clinically diagnosed HD and adults who are a part of an HD family. Individuals who choose to participate will have one study visit every year for as long as they are able and choose to participate.

PREDICT: Neurobiological Predictors of Huntington'

This is an on-going observational study for people ages 26 and older who have been tested for the HD gene. People who may qualify are those who have never received a clinical diagnosis of HD. Clinical evaluations are done annually over several years.

HD Clinical Trials at Other Locations

Other states and locations have new or on-going clinical trials in HD that the HDSA Center of Excellence at USF may not be participating in that you might like to review. Click here ->Other Clinical Trials in HD. If you would be interested in participating in any of these other clinical trials, please talk to Dr. Sanchez-Ramos.