Huntington disease drug to be tested at IU
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana University School of Medicine is one of 16 medical
centers in the nation testing a drug for treatment of Huntington disease.
The clinical trial will attempt to determine if the drug, tetrabenazine,
is beneficial for improving chorea and other excessive, involuntary movements
in people with Huntington disease. Chorea is involuntary, uncontrolled
movements that disrupt normal movement or posture.
Tetrabenazine currently is not available by prescription in the United
States, but is approved for use of Huntington disease and other movement
disorders in Europe and other countries.
To enroll in the study, individuals must be at least 18 years of age,
have been diagnose with Huntington disease and have chorea symptoms. Individuals
must be ambulatory and have a caregiver who can accompany them on multiple
visits to the IU Medical Center over a 13-week period.
Individuals who complete the trial may be entitled to enroll in an open
label study, where the medication will be dispensed free of charge for
at least six additional months.
For additional information or to enroll in the study, contact Jo Belden
at
317-278-0868.
The study, called Tetra-HD, is conducted by the Huntington Study Group,
a non-profit, cooperative group of Huntington disease experts. Huntington
is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that affects nearly 30,000 Americans
and an additional 150,000 are potentially at risk for developing it.
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Media Contact: Mary Hardin
317-274-7722
mhardin@iupui.edu
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