HDBuzz 2025 Annual Report: Independent HD Science Journalism Reaches 329,000 Visitors Amid Accelerating Research
核心洞察
HDBuzz published 100 articles in 2025, doubling 2024 output and more than tripling its historical average, reflecting accelerating HD research and clinical trial activity.
The nonprofit reached 329,000 unique visitors and generated over 630,000 page views while maintaining zero pharmaceutical funding and no paywalls.
Six HDBuzz Prize winners and five HD-CAG fellows were mentored, investing in the next generation of Huntington's disease (搜索) science communicators.
In 2025, HDBuzz reached 329,000 unique visitors who came seeking clarity on Huntington's disease (搜索) (HD) research — after confusing clinical trial results, difficult conversations with doctors, or late-night searches trying to understand regulatory decisions affecting their loved ones. The independent science journalism platform published 100 articles, double its 2024 output and more than triple its historical average, reflecting what the organization describes as an accelerating field of HD research with more discoveries, breakthroughs, and companies developing drugs than ever before.
Those 100 articles generated more than 630,000 page views, and the email subscriber list grew to nearly 5,000 with an open rate above 40% — more than double the industry average for nonprofits. "When news broke, people came. When results were confusing, they came. When things were disappointing, they came here to understand why," the organization stated in its annual report.
Independence as a Core Principle
HDBuzz emphasized that every article is written by scientists who understand the biology deeply enough to discern what matters and what does not, and who are committed to explaining findings clearly for the HD community. The organization does not accept pharmaceutical funding, runs no advertisements, and places nothing behind a paywall. "That independence is the whole point, and it's only possible because readers like you choose to support us," the report states.
The platform moved to a twice-weekly publication schedule in 2025, covering topics ranging from HTT (搜索)-lowering clinical trials to CRISPR delivery systems and the regulatory developments surrounding uniQure's AMT-130 gene therapy.
Investing in the Next Generation
2025 also marked a significant investment in sustainability through mentorship. The HDBuzz Prize for Young Science Writers, sponsored by the Huntington's Disease Foundation (搜索), trained early-career researchers — including PhD students, postdocs, and clinicians — to write accessibly for the HD community. Six prize winners contributed articles on topics spanning EEG biomarkers in pre-symptomatic HD to the risks of lowering "good" HTT (搜索) during therapeutic development.
Additionally, HDBuzz partnered with the Huntington's Disease Foundation (搜索) and their inaugural HD-CAG (Career Advancement Grant) fellows, providing science communication mentorship to five outstanding postdoctoral researchers on the path to independence. "Investing in the next generation of HD communicators is how HDBuzz stays strong for the long haul and ensures that future HD research superstars are trained to translate scientific findings directly with the HD community," the organization noted.
Navigating Difficult News
The report highlighted HDBuzz's role during challenging moments for the HD community, particularly the AMT-130 regulatory developments, which were described as "confusing, emotionally charged, and scientifically complex." The platform committed to explaining what happened, what it meant, and what would come next — without spin or catastrophizing.
Organizational Milestones and Financial Transparency
HDBuzz officially became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit on January 1, 2026, a move the organization says will enable stronger governance, greater donor confidence, and a more sustainable foundation. The organization also reported bringing its finances into the black and building a reserve fund to ensure sustainability.
The spring Fund the Buzz campaign, which ran through June 15, raised $23,024 from 276 donors, with gifts ranging from $5 to $2,000 and a median gift of $25. "Every dollar goes directly toward keeping HDBuzz independent, ad-free, and pharmaceutical-funding-free," the organization stated.
Looking Toward 2026
For 2026, HDBuzz plans to maintain its twice-weekly publication schedule, expand mentorship programs, formalize science communication training, grow its global author network, and enhance editorial infrastructure — including the addition of an editorial manager. The organization is also pursuing additional funding streams and building a recurring donor base for long-term financial sustainability.
"2025 proved that this model works," the report concluded. "The question for 2026 is whether we can grow it to match the pace of HD research and the community's need for clear, independent interpretation of it."