Study Goal:

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a type of Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is a term that covers several conditions with symptoms such as slow movement, rigidity and problems with walking. It means that MSA symptoms may appear very similar to Parkinson's but the disease is very different. In MSA, abnormal clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein form in the support cells (glial cells) in the brain. There is no cure for MSA, instead current treatments are aimed at controlling the symptoms. This study aims to see if the drug, ATH434, can target these abnormal clumps and slow the progression of MSA.

What's Involved:

The study is investigating a new drug called ATH434 in people with Multiple System Atrophy to check if it is safe, tolerated and reaches the target area in the brain. Participants either take ATH434 at a low dose, ATH434 as a higher dose or a placebo (a "fake" pill that looks identical but contains no drug) for 12 months. The pills are swallowed. Participants are asked to complete questionnaires, brain scans and other assessments, and to wear a sensor to track movement.

Who Can Take Part?

Eligibility criteria need to be discussed with a doctor, but some key criteria are: 

• Evidence of MSA

• Age between 30-75 years

• Clinical features of Parkinsonism

• Participant can walk & has had motor symptoms for less than 4 years