With substantial research being dedicated to the development of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), there is a growing need for novel biomarkers capable of assessing candidate investigational drugs. Tiago Mestre, MD, MSC, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, talks on investigations into biomarkers able to track disease progression or aid therapeutic development in Huntington’s. Volumetric-based imaging of the caudate/putamen has been well studied and could be clinically useful. More recently, investigations have looked into wet biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain, a marker of neuronal damage. Dr Mestre highlights the importance of developing biomarkers that can assess DMT efficacy at a premanifest/prodromal stage when less neurodegeneration has occurred and intervention holds more promise. This interview took place during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting.
