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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent

Huntington’s disease treated successfully for first time in UK gene therapy trial

Three people stand outside a building next to a sign that reads National Hospital for Neurology and neurosurgery
Prof Sarah Tabrizi, right, who led the trial, with Prof Ed Wild, left, and Jack May-Davis, 30, who carries the Huntington's disease gene. Photograph: UCLH/PA

Huntington’s disease, a devastating degenerative illness that runs in families, has been treated successfully for the first time in a breakthrough gene therapy trial.

The disease, caused by a single gene defect, steadily kills brain cells leading to dementia, paralysis and ultimately death. Those who have a parent with Huntington’s have a 50% chance of developing the disease, which until now has been incurable.

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