Multiple system atrophy
MONDO:0007803Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic failure (cardiovascular and/or urinary), parkinsonism, cerebellar impairment and corticospinal signs with a median survival of 6-9 years.
Also known as: MSA, Shy-Drager syndrome, multisystem atrophy, Shy-dragger syndrome (formerly), autonomic failure, Pure, hypotension, orthostatic, susceptibility to multiple system atrophy 1
138 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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New drug TAK-341 tested in rare brain disease trial
Disease control CompletedThis phase 2 trial tested whether TAK-341, given as an IV infusion every 4 weeks for a year, can slow the progression of multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and serious brain disorder. The study enrolled 158 adults with MSA across North America, Europe, and Asia. Researchers me…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Takeda • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Could a vaccine slow Parkinson's? early trial tests UB-312
Disease control CompletedThis early-stage trial tested a vaccine called UB-312 in 8 people with Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy. The vaccine is designed to train the immune system to attack abnormal clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which are linked to these brain disorders. The …
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: NYU Langone Health • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Brain pacemaker that adapts to you: hope for rare Parkinson's-Like disease
Disease control CompletedThis small study tested a new type of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that automatically adjusts electrical pulses based on a person's activity or body position. The goal was to improve walking, blood pressure, bladder control, and sleep in people with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA),…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Oxford • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
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Your voice could reveal which brain disease you have
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested whether digital analysis of voice recordings can help doctors tell apart Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, two brain disorders with similar early symptoms. Researchers recorded the voices of 28 people (patients with each condition and healthy cont…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Can a simple sleep test replace the lab for MSA patients?
Diagnosis CompletedThis study looked at whether a portable sleep monitor used during a short hospital stay can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in people with multiple system atrophy (MSA), compared to the standard overnight lab test. Thirty adults with probable MSA took part. The goal was to see if…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Brain scan breakthrough: new tracer could catch Parkinson's early
Diagnosis CompletedThis completed study tested a new radioactive tracer called [18F] - FD17 for PET imaging to detect clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These clumps are linked to Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and a sleep disorder that often precedes Parkinson'…
Sponsor: Ruijin Hospital • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:11 UTC
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AI eye scan could diagnose brain diseases in seconds
Diagnosis CompletedResearchers tested an artificial intelligence program that analyzes retinal images to diagnose several nerve and brain conditions, such as optic neuropathy and brain tumors. The study used data from 693 patients with confirmed diagnoses. The goal is to create a fast triage tool f…
Sponsor: Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:30 UTC
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Can a One-Time bone drug shield Parkinson's patients from fractures?
Prevention CompletedThis study tested whether a single infusion of zoledronic acid (Reclast) can prevent fractures in men and women aged 60 and older with Parkinson's disease or related conditions. Over 2,700 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo, and were follo…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
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Can a personalized support program ease the burden of MSA?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a personalized counseling and support program for 130 people with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and their caregivers. The program aimed to identify individual needs and improve daily life management. Researchers measured quality of life and depression symptoms t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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New program aims to help MSA patients and families cope
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a 12-month therapeutic education program is feasible for people with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and their caregivers. The program includes in-person visits and online activities to help understand symptoms and adapt to daily life. Fifteen patient-care…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Smart belt aims to stop fainting spells in nerve disorder patients
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested an automated abdominal binder that inflates when a person stands, applying pressure to help maintain blood pressure. It included 28 adults with autonomic failure and disabling orthostatic hypotension. Participants wore either the active binder or a sham version …
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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New hope for MSA patients: drug may reduce dizzy spells and falls
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a drug called droxidopa (L-threo DOPS) in 107 adults with multiple system atrophy (MSA) who experience dizziness or fainting when standing up due to low blood pressure. Participants received either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if the d…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
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Could a simple nerve stimulator ease bladder troubles in Parkinson's?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a daily 20-minute nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the ankle could improve bladder control in people with Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy. A total of 110 participants used either an active or a sham device for 3 months. The main goal wa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:00 UTC
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New Parkinson's care model puts patients in the Driver's seat
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a new way of caring for people with Parkinson's disease. The goal was to help 214 participants achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life. The approach involved proactive, integrated care and patient empowerment, compared to standard care.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Bristol • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC
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Brain study sheds light on Parkinson's and tics
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke aimed to better understand how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and dystonia. Over 1,200 adults—both patients …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Blood test could spot Parkinson's earlier, study hopes
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked for specific gene patterns in the blood that could help diagnose Parkinson's disease and distinguish it from similar conditions. Researchers analyzed blood samples and brain scans from 219 people with Parkinson's or related disorders. The goal is to de…
Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Brain scans reveal clues to mysterious MSA disorder
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how the brain chemical serotonin works in people with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and serious nerve disease. Researchers used special PET scans to measure serotonin receptors in the brains of 53 adults with MSA or Parkinson's disease. The goal was t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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Belly band or pill? study tests best way to treat dizzy spells in nerve disease
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at two common treatments for low blood pressure upon standing in people with autonomic failure: the drug midodrine and an abdominal compression belt. Researchers measured how each affects heart health markers like pulse wave velocity. The trial involved 31 adult…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Scientists probe why MSA patients feel pain
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at pain thresholds in people with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease. Researchers tested how levodopa, a common Parkinson's drug, affects pain perception. The goal is to better understand the causes of pain in MSA and improve future treatment.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Could a simple belly wrap beat pills for dizziness when standing?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how an abdominal compression binder (like a tight belt) helps people with autonomic failure who get dizzy or faint when standing due to low blood pressure. Researchers compared the binder to a standard medication (midodrine) and a placebo in 21 adults. The go…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Smart homes for seniors: telemonitoring trial aims to cut hospital stays
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether home automation and remote monitoring can help elderly people (65+) with multiple chronic conditions live safely at home. Over 500 participants had their homes equipped with sensors that tracked health signs and sent alerts to doctors. The main goal was …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Limoges • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Italian swallowing assessment tool validated for neurodegenerative patients
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study aimed to translate and validate an Italian version of a tool that helps speech therapists assess swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's or ALS. Researchers tested the tool on 101 adults with such conditions to ens…
Sponsor: Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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Brain scans and memory tests shed light on how the brain works after injury
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how different types of brain damage—from strokes, tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases—affect thinking and memory. Researchers used brain scans (MRI) and cognitive tests in 346 patients and healthy volunteers to map which brain areas are res…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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Smart insoles reveal how Parkinson's changes your walk over time
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 83 people with Parkinson's disease and healthy volunteers to see if daily walking patterns measured at home can track how the disease progresses. Participants wore special insoles for 10 days at a time to record their gait. The goal was to find simple, real-wo…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Parkinson's risk hunt: 2,200 volunteers help uncover hidden clues
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked for genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared DNA and lifestyle data from over 2,200 people, including Parkinson's patients, people with related brain diseases, and healthy voluntee…
Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:00 UTC
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Study reveals HPV vaccine gaps in teens with chronic illness
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how many girls and young women aged 11 to 20 with chronic diseases (like diabetes or immune conditions) got the HPV vaccine, compared to those without chronic illness. Researchers reviewed records of 223 participants from a hospital in France. The goal was to…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Wrist-Worn gadget could help doctors monitor Parkinson's at home
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a wrist-worn device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) to see if it can accurately measure movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Nineteen participants wore the device while researchers compared its readings to standard clinical tests and video…
Sponsor: Global Kinetics Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Hunting for hidden clues: study seeks early warning signs of parkinson disease
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked for early biological signs (biomarkers) of Parkinson disease in 89 people with certain risk factors, such as family history, loss of smell, blood pressure drops, or a sleep disorder. Participants underwent brain scans, spinal taps, and other tests over several y…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 19:15 UTC