​Results from trials are expected in 2019

A number of patients with early onset symptoms of Huntington's disease have been chosen to take part in a revolutionary drug trial at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

US-based firm Wave Life Sciences is trialing two new drugs, which its scientists believe could target the faulty gene that causes the condition.

Dr Stuart Ritchie, lead researcher, said: "I am very excited Glasgow has been chosen to take part in this early stage drug trial.

"The Huntington's disease community in the west of Scotland now has the opportunity to be involved in these groundbreaking research programmes."

People with Huntington's disease experience involuntary movement of the limbs and body, mood swings and personality changes.

They can develop difficulty concentrating as well as memory lapses, depression and eventually develop problems with swallowing, speaking and breathing.

An estimated 1,100 people in Scotland are living with the condition.

Scottish Huntington's Association chief executive John Eden said: "Although every step closer to an effective treatment is fantastic news, it is important to remember that many thousands of people will continue to live with this condition.

"Their families will continue to need support, and we will need to continue to help improve their quality of life any way we can."

Trials are expected to take approximately a year with the company anticipating the results to be released in the first half of 2019.