07.01.08
The Huntington Study Group has launched a Phase III clinical trial, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (part of the National Institutes of Health [NIH]), to determine the effect of the maximum effective dosage of CoQ10 on cognitive function in individuals with Huntington’s Disease (HD). They will also examine the long-term safety of CoQ10. Currently, there is no known cure or effective drug therapy for HD, a genetic, progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, cognitive difficulties and emotional disturbances. According to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, more than a quarter of a million Americans have HD or are “at risk” of inheriting the disease from an affected parent.
The potential health benefits of CoQ10 have been studied since its discovery 50 years ago. The substance, which occurs naturally in the body and is involved in cellular energy production, has documented heart and neurological benefits, among others. Research has shown that aging, various medications and certain diseases inhibit the body’s ability to produce CoQ10 on its own.
This five-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (called the 2CARE Study) will involve 608 patients in 44 centers across the U.S., Canada and Australia. The multi-million dollar grant from the NINDS was awarded to Massachusetts General Hospital and The University of Rochester. Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc (Massachusetts General Hospital), Michael McDermott, PhD, and Karl Kieburtz, MD, MPH (University of Rochester) will direct the study.
KanekaQ10, the only CoQ10 manufactured in the U.S., is the sole source of CoQ10 being used in the trial. The 2CARE study will be the largest therapeutic clinical trial to date focused on Huntington’s disease.
The potential health benefits of CoQ10 have been studied since its discovery 50 years ago. The substance, which occurs naturally in the body and is involved in cellular energy production, has documented heart and neurological benefits, among others. Research has shown that aging, various medications and certain diseases inhibit the body’s ability to produce CoQ10 on its own.
This five-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (called the 2CARE Study) will involve 608 patients in 44 centers across the U.S., Canada and Australia. The multi-million dollar grant from the NINDS was awarded to Massachusetts General Hospital and The University of Rochester. Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc (Massachusetts General Hospital), Michael McDermott, PhD, and Karl Kieburtz, MD, MPH (University of Rochester) will direct the study.
KanekaQ10, the only CoQ10 manufactured in the U.S., is the sole source of CoQ10 being used in the trial. The 2CARE study will be the largest therapeutic clinical trial to date focused on Huntington’s disease.