Volume 10, Issue 8
* ITK has a new format! In The Know will now be hosted on our website to help increase it’s compatibility on your tablet and smart phones. Now you can access ITK easily from any device.
NEWS
UBC scientists develop test to measure effectiveness of treatments for Huntington disease
UBC News – August 7, 2015
A new test developed by UBC researchers allows physicians to measure the effects of gene silencing therapy in Huntington disease and will support the first human clinical trial of a drug that targets the genetic cause of the disease. To read the full media release from the University of British Columbia, click here.
Ride 4 A Cure set for Teepee Creek
Daily Herald Tribune – August 6, 2015
After five years and almost $300,000 raised in support of research and support, the 6th Annual Huntington Disease Ride 4 A Cure is back this summer, Aug. 28-30. Last year, the Peace Country chapter of the Huntington Society of Canada raised $60,000 through pledges and other fundraising efforts, according to chapter president Mack Erno. To read the full article, click here.
A drug to treat Huntington’s is closer than ever – but those who need it remain cautious
The Globe and Mail – August 2, 2015
“It has worked on mice and monkeys. And starting next month in Vancouver, scientists will begin a long-awaited trial to see if a new drug might also slow the progression of Huntington disease in humans.” To read the full story, click here.
Lawyers wrestle with brave new world of genetic tests and rights
The Lawyers Weekly – July 24, 2015
Cowan’s Bill S-201 proposed to use Ottawa’s criminal law power to ban genetic discrimination by employers, insurers and other providers of goods and services. Senator Cowan says that it is “A huge issue for an increasing number of Canadians.” To read the full article, click here.
Seniors of the Year
Tavistock Gazette – July 1, 2015
A volunteer of the Huntington Society of Canada was honoured with a Senior of the year award. To read the full article and to see a photo, click here.
Amaryllis sales are bursting into bloom!
Orders for the Huntington Society of Canada’s signature premium Orange Souvereign are growing almost as fast as the flower grows. We are over 71% sold out. Over the decades, hundreds of thousands of Amaryllis from HSC have been grown, raising over $5 million.
Together we have many great reasons to inspire others to remember that each and every Amaryllis we sell holds the promise of a world free from HD. Please don’t miss out! At over 71% sold out, we want to ensure you have Amaryllis this fall. Order today at www.inspirehope.ca or, if you prefer, please call HSC directly at 1-800-998-7398 or email us at amaryllis@huntingtonsociety.ca.
RESEARCH NEWS
Huge study reveals new ‘genetic modifiers’ of Huntington disease
HDBuzz – July 31, 2015
Even though every patient with Huntington disease has a mutation in the same gene, the age at which HD patients develop symptoms varies widely. A global consortium of HD researchers has just published a landmark study of genetic differences between people that might explain some of that variability, producing some tantalizing new targets for drug discovery efforts. To read more, click here.
Would ewe believe it? GM1, sheep and Huntington disease
HDBuzz – July 28, 2015
It takes a lot of research to decide whether a new treatment is ready to test in humans. A few years ago, we reported that a ‘brain fat’ called GM1 is reduced in HD, and replacement therapy showed potential in mice. Despite rumors you may have heard, it’s not ready to try in the clinic. But if preclinical research continues positively, there may be a surprising potential source of GM1: the brains of sheep. To read the full article, click here.
Enroll-HD Monthly News Bulletin
July 2015
The newsletter outlines the latest recruitment into Enroll-HD – please also visit the News and Updates page on the Enroll-HD website to view the reminders section of the monthly bulletin that outlines processes and resources. To read the full Enroll-HD News Bulletin, click here.
