Since 1999, the HDSA has committed more than $18 million to fund research with the goal of finding effective treatments to slow Huntington’s disease.  Our past research efforts have also helped increase the number of scientists working on HD and have shed light on many of the complex biological mechanisms involved in HD. 

In 1997, HDSA launched an innovative, new approach to tackle HD.  We brought together a group of some of the most well-known and prolific HD researchers from around the world to work together in teams to tackle large biological topics hypothesized to be involved in HD pathogenesis.  This team of researchers was called the Coalition for the Cure.  The Coalition Teams published important findings regarding the function of the huntingtin protein, potential new targets and pathways to treat HD and helped generate new animal models of HD to aid in HD drug discovery efforts. 

While funding for the Coalition for the Cure ended in 2009, the HDSA remains committed to continuing our long tradition of supporting HD research. With the unveiling of a new strategic plan for HDSA, we outlined key steps to take to bring research back to the HDSA portfolio.  In 2012, this plan was set into motion.  

HDSA is now supporting initiatives in the following areas to answer critical research questions as they relate to the biology of HD, and have launched new initiatives to increase scientific communication. 

   •  Human HD Biology Fellowship Program

   •  21 HDSA Centers of Excellence partnership hubs

   •  Donald A. King Summer HD Research Fellowships

   •  Support of the NINDS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)

      consortium

   •  HD Research Webinars

   •  Clinical Study/Trial Education and Coverage

   •  Clinical Trial Design Consultation

   •  Participation on International Research Initiatives