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Collecting cerebrospinal fluid to aid in developing treatments for Huntington's disease

HDClarity: a Multi-site Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection Initiative to Facilitate Therapeutic Development for Huntington's Disease

Observational University College, London · NCT02855476

This study is collecting spinal fluid and blood samples from people with Huntington's disease to help find better treatments for the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College, London Academic / other
Locations40 sites (Englewood, Colorado and 39 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02855476 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

HDClarity is an observational initiative aimed at recruiting at least 2500 participants at various stages of Huntington's disease. The study focuses on collecting high-quality cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples to evaluate biomarkers and pathways relevant to the disease. Participants will attend annual visits for medical history assessments and biosample collection, with the option for additional sampling in the first year. This longitudinal approach allows for comprehensive data collection to facilitate therapeutic development for Huntington's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-75 with various stages of Huntington's disease or healthy controls who have undergone genetic testing.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities or those currently participating in drug trials may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could lead to the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on biomarker collection for neurodegenerative diseases have shown promise, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age (18-75 years controls, early/late premanifest HD and incomplete penetrance HD, 21-75 years early/moderate/advanced manifest HD, ≥11 years juvenile HD)
* Enroll HD participant
* Capable of consenting or have a legal representative (parent/guardian for juveniles)
* Capable of complying with study procedures
* All participants other than family and community controls must have had a genetic test for HD

Exclusion Criteria:

* Drug trial within 30 days of any sampling visit
* Changes in medication (antidepressant, psychoactive, psychotropic or other medications or nutraceuticals used to treat HD within 30 days)
* Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy within 14 days
* Significant comorbidity
* Needle phobia, headache, spinal surgery / deformity
* Clotting or bruising disorder
* Screening blood test abnormalities \>10% outside normal range
* Drug / alcohol abuse
* Positive urine pregnancy test at any screening or sampling visit for females of childbearing potential
* Predictable non compliance or unwillingness
* Serious adverse event related to HDClarity study procedures or any lumbar puncture procedure performed for any reason in the previous 30 days

Where this trial is running

Englewood, Colorado and 39 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Huntington's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.