Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Research

  • See current clinical trials.

  • Join us in advancing understanding and treatment of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

Current Studies

  • Interventional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, optional open-label extension trial of Lu AF82422 in participants with Multiple System Atrophy.

  • A Multi-centered, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group Phase 2 Study of TEV-56286 for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple System Atrophy. TV56286-NDG-20039.

How to Enroll

If you’re interested in learning more about participating:

  1. Contact our team via email at contact@inwresearch.com or by phone at (509) 960-2818.

  2. A member of our team will answer your questions and explain the study in more detail.

  3. If appropriate, we can discuss next steps, including screening and eligibility requirements.

  4. You’ll receive a copy of the informed consent form and have time to review it and decide whether participation is right for you.

  5. If you choose to consent and are determined to be eligible, you may be invited to participate in the study.

Thank you for considering participation. Your involvement helps advance research and improve understanding of Multiple System Atrophy disease.

Why Your Participation Counts

By joining a research study you help scientists and physicians:

  • Learn more about how MSA develops and progresses.

  • Test new treatments or approaches aimed at managing symptoms, slowing progression, and improving quality of life.

  • Improve quality of life for other people living with MSA now and in the future.

Your involvement may also give you access to enhanced monitoring, connection with movement-disorder specialists, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful medical progress.

What Is Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)?

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurological disorder in which multiple parts of the nervous system gradually fail. Specifically:

  • MSA affects both the central nervous system (which controls movement and coordination) and the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary body functions such as blood pressure, digestion, bladder, and breathing).

  • Symptoms typically begin in adulthood (often in the 50s) and tend to progress more rapidly than many other neurodegenerative conditions.

  • The term “multiple system” reflects the fact that more than one system (motor, autonomic, cerebellar) is affected.

Because each person’s experience with MSA may differ, progression and symptoms vary widely. At present, there is no cure and no treatment proven to stop or reverse the progression of MSA.

Motor & coordination symptoms (may overlap with other movement disorders):

  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia), rigidity, tremor (especially in the “parkinsonian” subtype)

  • Problems with balance and coordination (ataxia), which is more prominent in the “cerebellar” subtype of MSA

  • Speech difficulty (slurred or soft speech), swallowing problems (dysphagia)

Autonomic (involuntary-system) symptoms:

  • Low blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension), causing dizziness or fainting

  • Bladder or bowel problems (incontinence, urinary urgency, or retention)

  • Breathing and sleep problems (sleep apnea, noisy breathing, stridor)

  • Sweating abnormalities, temperature regulation issues (cold hands/feet, heat intolerance)

Other symptoms may include:

  • Rapid progression of mobility loss compared to typical Parkinson’s disease

  • Frequent falls

  • Weight loss, fatigue

  • Emotional or behavioral changes

Types of MSA

MSA is often classified based on the predominant type of symptom at onset:

  • MSA-P (Parinsonian type): Primarily movement symptoms (stiffness, slow movement, tremor) with autonomic failure.

  • MSA-C (Cerebellar type): Primarily coordination and balance problems (ataxia), speech and swallowing issues.

This classification helps guide evaluation and research focusing on the different manifestations.

How Is MSA Treated Today?

While there is no known treatment to halt or reverse MSA, there are strategies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

  • Medications and management of autonomic symptoms (e.g., medications for low blood pressure, bladder issues).

  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (for mobility, coordination, speech/swallowing).

  • Supportive care for sleep/breathing problems and other complications.

What Does Participation Involve?

When you agree to join our MSA research study, you can expect:

  1. Screening Visit: Review of your health history, diagnosis, and medications.

  2. Baseline Visit: Detailed evaluations including motor/coordination testing, autonomic function testing, possibly imaging or biomarker collection.

  3. Follow-Up Visits: Monitor symptoms, progression, quality of life, and treatment effects. Some visits may be virtual or at home.

  4. Optional Procedures: Some studies may include additional tests or treatments.

  5. Withdrawal – you may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty, and your usual medical care will continue unaffected.

Benefits & Risks

Benefits may include:

  • Access to expert care and movement-disorder specialists

  • Close monitoring of your health and disease progression

  • Contributing to research that may benefit you and others in the future

Risks may include:

  • Possible side-effects or discomfort from study tests or procedures

  • All study procedures, risks, and potential benefits will be clearly explained in the informed-consent process.

Who Can Join the Study?

Each research study has its own eligibility criteria. Generally, participants may include:

  • Adults diagnosed with MSA (by a neurologist/movement-disorder specialist)

  • Individuals with early-stage MSA or specific symptom profiles

  • Absence of certain exclusion conditions (e.g., other major neurologic disorders, very advanced stage)

 If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Study-related procedures and treatments are provided at no cost. Always ask if there are any reimbursements for costs related to study participation

  • It depends on the study design; your informed consent document will explain if there is a placebo and how you will be assigned.

  • Yes. You may withdraw at any time without affecting your regular care.

  • Yes. The study team works alongside your regular neurologist/movement-disorder specialist.

  • All data is handled securely. Identifiable information is separated and protected; however, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed (as required by consent forms).

Video Resources