Alterity Therapeutics announced a poster presentation from the company's Biomarkers of progression in Multiple System Atrophy (bioMUSE) Natural History Study at the recent 34th International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System (AAS). The study assessed 13 early-stage MSA patients (motor symptom onset = 4 yrs) with diagnosis supported by a multimodal approach that utilizes neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers. Participants completed neurologic examination and clinical assessment with the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) and the Natural History and Neuroprotection in Parkinson Plus Syndromes scale (NNIPPS).

All participants had a-synuclein seed amplification assay results consistent with MSA, CSF NfL > 2000, and plasma NfL > 20. The investigators utilized a non-invasive MRI technique known as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) that allows quantification of metabolites such as NAA in the brain. NAA is a marker of neuronal integrity given its role in cellular energetics and myelin synthesis.

In this study, the investigators tested the hypothesis that the quantity of NAA measured using MRS is correlated with NfL levels.