£3.3m
Invested in Research
7
Priority Areas
5+
Active clinical Trials
2028
Strategy Reviewed
Our Focus
Everything we do sits under three goals
Every research project we fund works towards one of these three core aims for people living with MSA.
The Detail
Our 7 research priorities
These are the specific areas we're directing our funding towards. We chose these by listening to people living with MSA, their families, and leading medical experts.
1. Finding out what causes MSA
MSA is still not fully understood. We're funding research to uncover the triggers that start the disease process — because understanding the cause is the key to finding a cure. Scientists are looking at brain cells called oligodendrocytes and the role of proteins like alpha-synuclein.
2. Understanding how MSA progresses
We need a detailed picture of how MSA changes over time, from the very earliest stages. This helps doctors support people better at every stage, and helps researchers design better clinical trials. Studies like PROSPECT-M-UK are tracking hundreds of people over several years to build this picture.
3. Better clinical care, everywhere
MSA is rare, so access to specialist care varies enormously depending on where you live. We're funding research to develop clearer care pathways and clinical guidelines — so that everyone with MSA gets the best possible support, not just those near specialist centres.
4. Slowing or stopping the disease
Right now, there is no treatment that can slow or stop MSA. This is our most urgent priority. We're supporting scientists and clinical trials exploring drug therapies that target the underlying disease process — with the goal of helping people maintain their independence for longer.
5. Earlier, more accurate diagnosis
MSA is often mistaken for Parkinson's disease, sometimes for years. Finding reliable biomarkers — measurable signs in blood, spinal fluid, or brain scans — could help doctors diagnose MSA much earlier. Earlier diagnosis means treatment can start sooner, when it may be most effective.
6. Managing symptoms day-to-day
MSA affects movement, balance, bladder control, blood pressure and more. While we work towards a cure, improving how these symptoms are managed matters just as much. We fund research into better treatments for the most disabling effects of MSA — including trials like CYPRESS for postural hypotension.
7. Mental health and quality of life
MSA affects far more than physical health. Anxiety, depression and social isolation are common for people living with MSA and for family members and carers too. This is a new priority area for us. We're committing to fund research that helps people and families cope emotionally — developing psychological support, improving social connections, and building resilience alongside the physical care.
What this means for you
How our research priorities make a real difference
Every priority on this list was shaped by listening to people living with MSA. Here's the change we're working towards:
While prevention or cure of MSA remains the ultimate goal, MSA greatly affects quality of life — and understanding optimal pathways for clinical care is a high priority.
Dr Christopher Kobylecki
Consultant Neurologist & Chair, MSA Trust Scientific Advisory Panel