Statement On FDA's Approval Of XENAZINE(R) For The Treatment Of Chorea Associated With Huntington's Disease

Main Category: Huntingtons Disease
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 16 Aug 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF) is extremely pleased the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Xenazine, or tetrabenazine, for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease.

"Chorea is a major cause of disability and death in patients with Huntington's disease. Chorea is not just a mere inconvenience; it can prevent Huntington's disease patients from walking, talking, working, watching television and almost every aspect of one's life. We are ecstatic that, through the approval of Xenazine, patients and families will have the option to take the only drug developed specifically for treating the movements of Huntington's disease," said Nancy Wexler, Ph.D., Higgins Professor of Neuropsychology in the departments of neurology and psychiatry at Columbia University and president of the Hereditary Disease Foundation.

"While we are still hopeful we can some day find a cure, the approval of Xenazine is a breakthrough for the Huntington's disease community," said Dr. Wexler.

The approval of Xenazine marks the first and only FDA-approved treatment for any symptom of Huntington's disease.

Hereditary Disease Foundation
http://www.hdfoundation.org