About HD Genetics
Built by the HD Community For the HD Community
HD Genetics is a privately owned healthcare company built by Huntington's disease (HD) community leaders, for the HD community. Our mission is simple: to empower every person throughout their HD journey.
The HD Genetics Story
In 2019, B.J. Viau, an HD family member and longtime community advocate, recognized that traditional genetic testing services were not meeting the unique needs of the HD community. At the same time, a new era of clinical trials was on the horizon, making timely, equitable access to testing more important than ever. He set out to create the first patient-centered genetic testing and counseling service designed specifically for the HD community - one that would provide the same high-quality experience regardless of where someone lived.
HD Genetics launched its nationwide genetic testing and counseling service in the fall of 2022. Since then, we have supported more than 1,600 individuals through one of the most significant decisions of their lives. From the beginning, our philosophy has been that genetic testing is about more than receiving a result - it's about empowering people with education, support, and meaningful next steps.
In 2025, HD Genetics expanded its mission by launching our Clinical Trial Connection Service, helping individuals around the world better understand available research opportunities and connect with clinical trials that align with their unique goals, preferences, and circumstances.
Today, HD Genetics continues to bridge the gap between testing, education, and research - empowering individuals and families to navigate their HD journey with confidence, compassion, and hopeful opportunities.
Meet Our Founder
B.J. Viau (View)
Founder & President
B.J. has been actively involved in the Huntington's disease community since his mother's diagnosis in 1995. His commitment began with a family-run Hoop-A-Thon fundraiser that lasted nearly two decades (1995–2012) and grew into co-founding the Huntington's Disease Youth Organization (HDYO) — an international nonprofit dedicated to supporting, educating, and motivating young people impacted by HD. He served as HDYO's Board Chairman for ten years before stepping down in 2020 to focus on launching HD Genetics.
Professionally, B.J. has spent over 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including his time at Lundbeck during the launch of the first FDA-approved medicine for Huntington's chorea. Today, he also leads PatientViau, a strategic consulting firm that helps healthcare organizations build stronger partnerships with patient advocacy groups.
After testing negative for HD himself in 2010, B.J. has remained deeply committed to the community. He has personally participated in multiple observational studies — including PREDICT-HD, PREVENT-HD, ENROLL-HD, and HD Clarity — and sits on the Board of Directors of the Huntington's Disease Study Group (HSG). B.J. holds an undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He lives in Charlotte, NC.
Contact B.J.
The idea for HD Genetics came through years of conversations with individuals interconnected within the HD community - individuals from HD families, healthcare professionals who care for HD patients, advocacy leaders, and pharmaceutical representatives working on groundbreaking HD treatments. I'm fortunate enough to have a small but mighty team that's been willing to put in their personal and professional passion to bring HD Genetics to life.
— B.J. Viau, Founder of HD Genetics
Our Team
Our small, dedicated team brings decades of personal and professional experience to make genetic testing, counseling, and access to clinical research more compassionate and accessible.
Genetics Team
Wes Solem, ScM, CGC
Director of Genetics
Wes is a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. He earned his Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. His graduate thesis research was titled "COVID-19 Impact on Genetic Counseling for Huntington's Disease via Telehealth" — work that directly informs how HD Genetics delivers virtual care today. Wes has been part of HD Genetics since its inception and is the most experienced HD genetic counselor in the world - having personally guided every single client through the testing process since day one.
Clinical Study Support
Spencer Diehl, LISW
Clinical Study Navigator
Spencer is an independently licensed clinical social worker and mental health provider with Vanderbilt Medical Group, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center's HDSA Center of Excellence. At HD Genetics, he leads our Clinical Study Navigator service, supporting individuals who are actively participating in specific HD clinical studies. For more info about our Clinical Study Navigator service, reach out to B.J. Viau.
Our Mission
Empowering Each Person Throughout Their HD Journey
HD Genetics is a privately led healthcare company offering a best-in-class genetic testing and counseling experience and clinical study connection to individuals impacted by Huntington's disease. Our work exists for one reason: the HD community deserves care that is built around them — not around insurance systems, geography, or financial gatekeeping.
Take the Next Step on Your HD Journey
Whether you're ready for testing, exploring clinical trials, or just want to talk — our team is here for you, on your timeline.
Get Started