By: Dr. Christopher James
Indiana University School of Medicine is making strides in a variety of rare diseases, including some in the neurological realm. With an integral role in Huntington’s disease, the school is participating in research studies that have been fundamental to the understanding of the ailment. The Department of Neurology’s Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence was established over 20 years ago, providing exceptional care to patients and families. The center uses a team approach in coordinating care consisting of a social worker, movement disorder physicians as well as other specialties. The center is on the verge of disease modifying options for Huntington’s, which will dramatically change the impact this disease has on families.
IU School of Medicine faculty investigators currently participate in two research studies in Huntington’s disease: Enroll-HD is an observational study that gathers important data that will help facilitate the implementation of future studies, and Signal-HD is a new drug trial which aims to reduce inflammation in the brains of patients with Huntington’s, as well as affect the progression of the disease. The center remains committed to the next exciting phase of Huntington’s disease research: an era of gene silencing therapies that will offer patients with potential cures.
Dr. Christopher James is the director of the Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence at IU School of Medicine.
