Medtronic and Alnylam report positive data from Huntington’s trial

Medtronic and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have reported positive clinical trial data from a study of a new drug-device combination for the treatment of Huntington's disease.

Supported by charitable organisation CHDI, the study found that a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the huntingtin gene can be used to block its activity throughout the striatum.

When administered via intrastriatal infusion with convection-enhanced delivery, widespread delivery of the siRNA was achieved, while the treatment technique itself was shown to be well tolerated.

The study reveals important insights into the potentially pivotal role RNA therapeutics could play in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr Gregory Stewart, a distinguished scientist for central nervous system drug therapy research and development at Medtronic, said: "We are very pleased with these early results in our research collaboration, which continues to represent an exciting opportunity to combine an innovative therapeutic strategy with state-of-the-art drug device delivery technology."

Last month, the company published new study data showing the benefits its AdaptiveStim with RestoreSensor neurostimulation system offers to chronic pain patients.