Scientists Treat Huntington's Disease for the First Time Using Gene Therapy

In a landmark achievement for neuroscience, researchers have successfully used gene therapy to treat Huntington's disease for the first time, according to Positive News. The therapy significantly slowed the progression of the devastating neurodegenerative condition.

"This result changes everything," said Prof Ed Wild from University College London's Huntington's Disease Centre. The treatment works by targeting the faulty gene responsible for producing the toxic protein that damages brain cells.

“The therapy significantly slowed the progression of the devastating neurodegenerative condition.”

Huntington's disease affects approximately 30,000 people in the US and thousands more worldwide. It causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Until now, treatments could only manage symptoms. This gene therapy approach opens the door to potentially halting or even reversing the disease's progression.