Please check back here regularly for updates, or browse our previous research news stories to stay informed about progress in the field.
July 2026
Breakthrough step towards Phase 3 trial for potential MSA treatment
Alterity Therapeutics has announced agreement with the US regulator (FDA) on the design of a Phase 3 clinical trial for ATH434, a possible treatment for MSA. This is a significant milestone following earlier studies, with the final‑stage trial expected to begin by the end of 2026.
ATH434 is an experimental oral drug aimed at targeting underlying disease processes in MSA. Earlier trials showed promising results, including slowing disease progression compared with placebo.
What this means for people with MSA in the UK
1. ATH434 is now one step closer to a potential approval pathway.
2. The Phase 3 trial will focus on everyday function, measuring areas of daily life that matter most to people affected by MSA.
3. Key symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, orthostatic hypotension and overall disease severity will also be assessed.
4. The study is expected to enrol around 200 participants, run for 12 months and begin by the end of 2026. We do not yet know if this will include people from the UK.
We will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
May 2026
Early results for possible MSA treatment
New clinical trial results suggest that a drug called ONO‑2808 may offer a new approach to treating multiple system atrophy (MSA). In a Phase 2 study, the treatment was found to be generally safe, with side effects similar to those seen in people taking a placebo. The results also showed encouraging signs that the drug may slow disease progression, including improvements in symptom scores and indications of reduced brain shrinkage on MRI scans. ONO‑2808 works differently from current treatments. It is designed to support and protect nerve cells, potentially addressing the underlying causes of MSA rather than just managing symptoms.
Based on these findings, a larger Phase 3 trial is now being planned to confirm whether the drug is effective. We do not know yet whether this will include trial sites in the UK. While this is an encouraging step forward, it is important to remember that the treatment is still in development and not yet available. Further research is needed before it could become an approved therapy.