For those who don't received HDSA announcements. This one includes Dr.
Nance's comments on Dr. Hayden's new today.
----- Original Message -----
From: Barbara T. Boyle
To: jemiller@...
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 4:28 PM
Subject: Exciting news from HDSA Coaliton for the Cure!


Dear Jean E

I want to report exciting news that was released today. HDSA Coalition for
the Cure Researcher Michael Hayden announced that his team has found that by
blocking the action of a key enzyme (caspase-6) in the process that causes
the cleavage of mutant huntingtin protein, they have been able to prevent
symptoms of Huntington's Disease from developing in a mouse.
There are many steps ahead to determine how this model of prevention in a
mouse can be implemented using drug inhibitors. If promising substances are
identified they would be moved along the HDSA Research Continuum to clinical
trials which could yield potential treatments.

Dr. Martha A. Nance, member of the HDSA MSAC (Medical and Scientific
Advisory Committee) on Dr. Hayden's work:

"After over 25 years of research on Huntington disease, Dr. Hayden and his
group in Canada have made a remarkable discovery, that they can prevent the
symptoms of HD from occurring in a genetically-engineered HD mouse by
altering the huntingtin protein so that it cannot be "snipped" into pieces
by the caspase-6 enzyme. Although this finding, by itself, is not a cure
for HD, it suggests that treatments to block the activity of the caspase-6
enzyme in humans would be a promising avenue for researchers to pursue.
Combined with earlier reports that brain cells have the ability to "clean
themselves up" if the production of the abnormal huntingtin protein is
stopped, this should give renewed hope to HD-affected persons and their
families. There is no better time than now to support HD research efforts,
as we move ever closer to treatments for the disease!"

Dr. Hayden's work is an example of how HDSA's funding of research is opening
doors that will lead to treatments for HD. While today's excitement is very
promising we still have a lot of work ahead of us. I hope this motivates you
to continue your efforts to support HDSA Research and Care programs, and to
helping us achieve our goal of making this the last generation with HD.

Barbara T. Boyle
National Executive Director/CEO


http://www.hdsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HD_Cure

http://www.hdsa.org/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1182