About Our Research and Clinical Focus
The Samuel Frank Lab's research is focused on expanding and improving pharmacological and other interventions for neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The lab's clinical interests are informed by the most up-to-date research findings and focused on providing evidence-based treatment for neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Frank is the Director of the Huntington's Disease Society of America Center of Excellence at BIDMC, which provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment for all patients with Huntington's disease.
Projects
It is possible you may be eligible for one of the studies below. If you are interested in participating, please email us to learn more.
- A Randomized, Multicenter, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intrathecally Administered RO7234292 in Patients with Manifest Huntington's Disease
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects, good and/or bad, of RO7234292, in patients with Huntington's disease. In previous studies, RO7234292 has been shown to lower levels of toxic protein that may underlie the disease process. By reducing this protein, progression of disease may be slowed or stopped.
- A Phase II, Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Evaluate Safety/Tolerability of Intrathecally Administered Tominersen in Patients with Late-Onset Manifest Huntington's Disease
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects, good and/or bad, of tominersen on patients with late-onset manifest Huntington's disease. In previous studies, tominersen has been shown to lower levels of toxic protein that may underlie the disease process. By reducing this protein, progression of disease may be slowed or stopped.
- A Prospective Registry Study in a Global Huntington's Disease Cohort -- A CHDI Foundation Project
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to collect clinical information about, and biological samples from, individuals with Huntington's disease. The information and samples will be used to learn more about Huntington's disease and to try to find new treatments for the disease.
- A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, 52-week Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Intravenous RO7046015 in Participants with Early Parkinson's Disease with a 52-week Blinded Extension
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects, good and/or bad, of RO7046015, in patients with Parkinson's disease. RO7046015 may bind to and clear pathological protein in the brain and prevent spread of this protein, potentially slowing the course of Parkinson's disease.
- A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Arm, Multicenter Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Pridopidine in Patients with Early Stage of Huntington Disease
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of pridopidine on everyday functioning and daily activities, as well as movement and behavior in participants with early stage Huntington's disease.
- A Phase I/II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Control Study to Explore Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Signals of Multiple Ascending Doses of Striatally-Administered rAAV5-miHTT Total Huntingtin Gene (HTT) Lowering Therapy (AMT-130) in Early Manifest Huntington Disease
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how AMT-130 affects the progression of early stage Huntington's disease. At this time, AMT-130 has only been studied in animals. These animals studies showed that AMT-130 lowered protein associated with symptoms of Huntington's disease.
About Samuel Frank, MD
Samuel Frank, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director of HDSA Center of Excellence at BIDMC
Harvard Catalyst Web Site
Email Samuel Frank, MD
Address: 330 Brookline Ave, KS-228, Boston, MA 02215
Office: KS-228
Phone: 617-667-4889
Fax: 617-975-5454
Advanced Degree and Training
- 1998: Boston University, Medicine
- 2002: University of Rochester, Neurology Residency
- 2004: University of Rochester, Experimental Therapeutics Fellowship
Areas of Interest
- Huntington Disease
- Parkinson Disease
- Dystonia Disorders
Major Collaborative Activities
Huntington's Disease Society of America
Major Research Theme
Understanding neurodegenerative disorders through biomarker discovery and study of phenotypic expression with the goal of developing novel clinical interventions to address symptomatic and disease modifying therapies.
Publications
Visit the PubMed database at NIH NLM for a list of publications
External Recognition
- 1998: Robert G. Feldman Prize in Neurology Boston University
- 2001: Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award Arnold P. Gold Foundation
- 2005: Excellence in Teaching Award Boston University
- 2007: Excellence in Teaching Award Boston University
- 2011: Member Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Alumni
- 2013: Neurology Alumni Award University of Rochester
- 2015: Excellence in Teaching Award Boston University
- 2017: Excellence in Teaching Award BIDMC
- 2019: Excellence in Care Award, Huntington's Disease Society of America (Regional recognition for BIDMC Center of Excellence)
- 2019: Excellence in Care Award, Huntington's Disease Society of America (National)
