Hersch Laboratory: Steven M. Hersch, MD, PhD

Overview

Basic Science Research

A major focus of Dr. Steve Hersch’s research is to understand the role of the huntingtin protein in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease.  
The recipient of federal government grants, Dr. Hersch is also supported by private foundations including the HDSA and the Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF).

Clinical Research

Dr. Hersch and collaborators conduct clinical research studies and clinical trials to advance the diagnosis and treatment of Huntington’s disease.  
He is developing a translational research program to more rapidly bring research findings into clinical practice. 

Dr. Hersch has had leadership roles in Huntington Study Group (HSG) research.

Research Projects

Basic Science Research

The Hersch Laboratory is currently conducting research in the following areas.

• Neuroanatomic and chemical changes
• The huntingtin protein
• Animal and cell models
• Experimental treatments
• Brain imaging
• Genetic modifiers of HD
• Alterations in gene and protein expression and function
• Biomarker development

Completed Clinical Trials

Creatine, Tolerability, and Efficacy in Huntington's Disease (CREST-E)
This study, a definitive test of whether high-dose creatine can slow the progression of HD, is in collaboration with the Huntington’s Study Group and funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Orphan Products division.

Creatine is a natural substance that can help supply energy to cells and also reduces oxidative stress to brain cells. In HD, brain cells run out of energy, hastening their degeneration. Earlier studies using creatine with HD mouse models as well as smaller pilot clinical trials led by Drs. Hersch and Rosas demonstrated impressive results. “Large amounts of creatine have to be ingested in order for therapeutic levels to reach the brain, so safety was a big concern,” says Dr. Hersch. “However, our Phase II trial with only 10 patients showed that high levels were safe and reached the brain. We were also amazed to see that a blood biomarker that detects brain degeneration was normalized, and brain imaging showed a slowing of brain shrinkage.” 

Now, 650 patients from 44 sites around the world will test whether creatine monohydrate can slow the progression of HD in comparison to a placebo. The trial will take five years and millions of dollars to determine whether the biological effects that were observed in the small trial will translate to significantly slowing down disease progression and maintaining the quality of life for patients with HD.

You can search for new clinical trials on the Mass General Brigham clinical trials site or clinicaltrials.gov.

Research Positions

All applicants should register with the Massachusetts General Hospital Careers page.

Read about and apply for residency, fellowship and observership programs in neurology.

Publications

NCBI PubMed publications