Huntington’s disease: Neurological illness treated in ‘one shot,’ researcher says – CTV
September 25, 2025
A new kind of gene therapy could significantly slow the progression of Huntington’s disease with a single operation, according to one of the researchers behind the discovery.
“I keep having to check that I’m not dreaming,” University College London neuroscientist Edward Wild told CTV Your Morning in a Thursday interview. “This is the first time anything has worked to slow the progression of (Huntington’s).”
Huntington’s disease is a rare and debilitating neurological condition that impairs the patient both cognitively and physically, alongside psychiatric symptoms.
The condition is not considered fatal in and of itself, but symptoms typically worsen over time, requiring round-the-clock care in later stages as patients lose the ability to move, eat and bathe, unassisted. Patients can die of complications of the illness, with an average life expectancy of between 10 and 30 years after diagnosis.
Roughly 6,000 Canadians are living with the disease, with another 7,500 at risk of developing it in their lifetime. Huntington’s is a genetic condition, with symptoms typically first appearing between the ages of 35 and 55.
