Effects of deutetrabenazine on speech and walking in Huntington Disease

Impact of Deutetrabenazine on Functional Speech and Gait Dynamics in Huntington Disease

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04713982

This study tests whether a medication called deutetrabenazine can help improve speech and walking in people with Huntington Disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT04713982 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how deutetrabenazine affects functional speech and gait in individuals diagnosed with Huntington Disease. Over two years, participants will receive comprehensive evaluations of their speech production, fine motor skills, gait, and balance before and after starting the medication. The study employs standardized assessments and advanced 3D motion analysis to measure changes in speech and motor performance, aiming to provide insights into the medication's functional impact.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Huntington Disease who have specific motor and cognitive capabilities.

Not a fit: Patients with severe speech impairment or those currently using VMAT2 inhibitors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve speech and mobility in patients with Huntington Disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on similar interventions have shown promise, but this specific approach with deutetrabenazine is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of HD with documented CAG repeat ≥ 37
* UHDRS total maximal chorea score of ≥ 8
* Able to walk at least 10 meters
* Medically stable outpatient, based on the investigator's judgment
* Willing and able to give written informed consent prior to performing any study procedures
* Have completed at least 10th grade
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22 on screening
* Female subjects of childbearing potential agree to use an acceptable method of contraception from screening through study completion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe depression or suicidal ideation
* History of suicidal behavior
* Unstable or serious medical or psychiatric illness
* Renal or hepatic impairment
* Severe speech impairment or anarthria
* Inability to swallow study medication
* Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
* History of alcohol or substance abuse within the last 12 months
* Current use of VMAT2 inhibitor (tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, valbenazine)
* Concurrent participation in any other investigational drug trials
* EKG QTcF\> 500 mse

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

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.
Conditions Huntington 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.