A new smartphone-based digital testing system is poised to transform Huntington’s disease research by providing a more sensitive and reliable way to track disease progression. Developed by University College London and Roche, the Huntington’s Disease Digital Motor Score (HDDMS) quantifies motor function through five simple movement tests, including balance assessment and finger tapping. By regularly performing these tests at home, patients can generate real-time data that helps researchers monitor disease progression.
The HDDMS system enhances clinical trials by detecting even small changes in symptoms, allowing researchers to evaluate potential treatments more efficiently. This increased sensitivity means fewer participants are needed for trials, reducing study durations and accelerating drug development. The technology has already demonstrated twice the sensitivity of conventional clinical measures, making it a valuable tool for rare disease research.
With promising new therapies for Huntington’s disease in development, the HDDMS system offers a crucial advancement in digital biomarkers. Researchers believe that integrating this technology into clinical trials will improve treatment evaluation and ultimately lead to more effective therapies for patients.
Article from UCL: Smartphone tests could accelerate drug development for Huntington’s disease
Journal Abstract in Brain: A digital motor score for sensitive detection of progression in Huntington’s disease
