Alterity Publishes Study on MSA Imaging Biomarker
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 11 2026
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Source: Newsfilter
- Significant Findings: A peer-reviewed study published by Alterity Therapeutics demonstrates that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI can detect disease-specific iron accumulation in patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), correlating with clinical severity and supporting earlier diagnosis and assessment of iron-modulating therapies.
- Clinical Application Potential: Utilizing data from Alterity's Biomarkers of Progression in Multiple System Atrophy (bioMUSE) study, the research analyzed high-resolution MRI data from 10 MSA patients, revealing significantly higher iron content in the lentiform nucleus compared to healthy controls and Parkinson's disease patients, with a positive correlation to UMSARS scores.
- Technology Validation: The study indicates that QSM distinguishes MSA from Parkinson's disease with moderate-to-good accuracy (AUC = 0.76–0.79), providing objective evidence for the application of Alterity's ATH434 drug in clinical trials and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
- Future Development Direction: Alterity plans to hold a Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in mid-2026 to advance the Phase 3 clinical trial of ATH434, aiming to provide effective treatment options for MSA patients and furthering the company's strategic positioning in the neurodegenerative disease sector.
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Analyst Views on ATHE
About ATHE
Alterity Therapeutics Limited is an Australia-based clinical-stage biotechnology company. The Company is focused on developing disease modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The Company's lead asset, ATH434, is to treat various Parkinsonian disorders. ATH434 is an oral agent designed to inhibit the aggregation of pathological proteins implicated in neurodegeneration. It has the potential to treat Parkinson's disease, as well as various Parkinsonian disorders, such as Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The Company also has a drug discovery platform generating patentable chemical compounds to intercede in disease processes. Its lead asset, ATH434, is in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial in participants with MSA. The Company is also conducting various nonclinical studies with ATH434 for use in Parkinson’s disease based on imaging of brain iron, preservation of neurons, and improvements in motor performance.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Alterity Achieves Significant Progress in MSA Research
- Clinical Trial Progress: Alterity's ATH434 demonstrated significant slowing of disease progression in the Phase 2 trial for MSA, with the 50 mg BID group showing a notable decline of 4.0 points (p=0.035), indicating its potential as the first disease-modifying treatment, which could transform the therapeutic landscape for MSA patients.
- Biomarker Application: New research utilizing Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) technology can detect iron accumulation in the early stages of MSA and track its changes over time, providing a novel approach for early diagnosis and trial enrichment that could significantly enhance clinical trial efficiency.
- Phase 3 Planning: Alterity is on track to hold an FDA meeting in mid-2026 to confirm the pathway for ATH434 to enter Phase 3 clinical trials, further advancing its development in the MSA field, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future market opportunities.
- Multi-Center Trial Potential: By employing standardized QSM technology, Alterity can deliver highly comparable results in multi-center trials, which not only enhances the scientific rigor of clinical studies but may also attract increased investor interest in its research and development progress.
See More
Alterity Publishes Study on MSA Imaging Biomarker
- Significant Findings: A peer-reviewed study published by Alterity Therapeutics demonstrates that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI can detect disease-specific iron accumulation in patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), correlating with clinical severity and supporting earlier diagnosis and assessment of iron-modulating therapies.
- Clinical Application Potential: Utilizing data from Alterity's Biomarkers of Progression in Multiple System Atrophy (bioMUSE) study, the research analyzed high-resolution MRI data from 10 MSA patients, revealing significantly higher iron content in the lentiform nucleus compared to healthy controls and Parkinson's disease patients, with a positive correlation to UMSARS scores.
- Technology Validation: The study indicates that QSM distinguishes MSA from Parkinson's disease with moderate-to-good accuracy (AUC = 0.76–0.79), providing objective evidence for the application of Alterity's ATH434 drug in clinical trials and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
- Future Development Direction: Alterity plans to hold a Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in mid-2026 to advance the Phase 3 clinical trial of ATH434, aiming to provide effective treatment options for MSA patients and furthering the company's strategic positioning in the neurodegenerative disease sector.
See More
Alterity Receives Positive FDA Feedback, Advancing ATH434 Phase 3 Development
- Positive FDA Feedback: Alterity Therapeutics received positive feedback during a Type C meeting with the FDA, confirming alignment on the chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) elements of its Phase 3 development program for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), marking a significant advancement in the company's pivotal clinical trial preparations.
- Phase 3 Trial Readiness: The FDA endorsed Alterity's plans for the manufacturing and testing of ATH434, laying the groundwork for its Phase 3 trial, which, if approved, could facilitate commercialization, demonstrating the company's confidence and commitment to developing disease-modifying therapies.
- Clinical Trial Progress: ATH434 has shown clinically meaningful efficacy in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial, and positive data from an open-label Phase 2 trial further enhances its market potential in the treatment of MSA.
- Future Planning: Alterity is set to hold an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in mid-2026 to ensure the smooth initiation of the Phase 3 trial, indicating a clear strategic vision and ongoing regulatory compliance in its future clinical development.
See More
ATH434 Shows Efficacy in Multiple System Atrophy
- Clinical Trial Results: In the Phase 2 trial for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), ATH434 demonstrated a reduction in functional decline at Week 52 compared to placebo, with treatment effects of -1.9 points at 75 mg and -4.0 points at 50 mg (p=0.034), indicating a relative treatment effect of 41%, showcasing its potential in MSA treatment.
- New Assessment Tool: The efficacy of ATH434 was validated using the MuSyCA composite scale, which integrates daily living activities and motor assessments, showing high sensitivity with placebo participants worsening by approximately 9.7 points over 52 weeks, confirming its effectiveness in clinical trials.
- Future Development Direction: Alterity is preparing to initiate a Phase 3 pivotal trial in MSA, with positive results from ATH434 reinforcing its foundation as a disease-modifying therapy, potentially transforming treatment prospects for MSA patients.
- Regulatory Engagement: The data presentation supports engagement with regulators, strengthening ATH434's clinical profile and potentially accelerating its path to market, further advancing Alterity's strategic positioning in the neurodegenerative disease sector.
See More
Alterity Appoints New Director to Strengthen Strategy
- New Board Member: Alterity Therapeutics appointed Ann Cunningham as an independent Non-Executive Director on April 17, 2026, enhancing the board's global commercial and strategic expertise to support the company's transition towards late-stage development in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
- Extensive Industry Experience: Cunningham brings over 25 years of global pharmaceutical and biotechnology experience, having held senior roles at Eli Lilly and Teva Pharmaceuticals, where she shaped commercial strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, which is expected to provide valuable market insights for Alterity's ATH434 project.
- Clinical Trial Advancement: Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as Alterity prepares to advance ATH434 into Phase 3 clinical trials, with expectations that her commercial leadership will help maximize the value of the company's pipeline and drive product commercialization.
- Patient-Focused Strategy: Cunningham expressed excitement about joining Alterity at this critical juncture, emphasizing the company's potential to address significant unmet needs in MSA, indicating her intention to leverage her experience to support the next phase of growth for the company.
See More
Alterity Announces KOL Event Focused on MSA Treatment
- KOL Event Announcement: Alterity Therapeutics will host a virtual KOL event on April 28, 2026, featuring Dr. Roy Freeman from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Daniel Claassen from Vanderbilt University to discuss the treatment landscape of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), aiming to raise awareness of this rare disease.
- ATH434 Candidate Overview: Alterity's lead candidate, ATH434, is considered a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy, having demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy in a randomized, double-blind Phase 2 trial, which could provide new treatment options for MSA patients.
- Phase 2 Data Review: The event will review Phase 2 clinical trial data for ATH434, offering new insights and analyses that will help attendees better understand the drug's potential and its application in MSA treatment.
- Phase 3 Planning Overview: Alterity will also outline its planned Phase 3 clinical trial, marking a significant step in advancing MSA treatment and potentially paving the way for future drug approvals.
See More
Alterity Achieves Significant Progress in MSA Research
- Clinical Trial Progress: Alterity's ATH434 demonstrated significant slowing of disease progression in the Phase 2 trial for MSA, with the 50 mg BID group showing a notable decline of 4.0 points (p=0.035), indicating its potential as the first disease-modifying treatment, which could transform the therapeutic landscape for MSA patients.
- Biomarker Application: New research utilizing Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) technology can detect iron accumulation in the early stages of MSA and track its changes over time, providing a novel approach for early diagnosis and trial enrichment that could significantly enhance clinical trial efficiency.
- Phase 3 Planning: Alterity is on track to hold an FDA meeting in mid-2026 to confirm the pathway for ATH434 to enter Phase 3 clinical trials, further advancing its development in the MSA field, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future market opportunities.
- Multi-Center Trial Potential: By employing standardized QSM technology, Alterity can deliver highly comparable results in multi-center trials, which not only enhances the scientific rigor of clinical studies but may also attract increased investor interest in its research and development progress.
See More
Alterity Publishes Study on MSA Imaging Biomarker
- Significant Findings: A peer-reviewed study published by Alterity Therapeutics demonstrates that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI can detect disease-specific iron accumulation in patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), correlating with clinical severity and supporting earlier diagnosis and assessment of iron-modulating therapies.
- Clinical Application Potential: Utilizing data from Alterity's Biomarkers of Progression in Multiple System Atrophy (bioMUSE) study, the research analyzed high-resolution MRI data from 10 MSA patients, revealing significantly higher iron content in the lentiform nucleus compared to healthy controls and Parkinson's disease patients, with a positive correlation to UMSARS scores.
- Technology Validation: The study indicates that QSM distinguishes MSA from Parkinson's disease with moderate-to-good accuracy (AUC = 0.76–0.79), providing objective evidence for the application of Alterity's ATH434 drug in clinical trials and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
- Future Development Direction: Alterity plans to hold a Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in mid-2026 to advance the Phase 3 clinical trial of ATH434, aiming to provide effective treatment options for MSA patients and furthering the company's strategic positioning in the neurodegenerative disease sector.
See More
Alterity Receives Positive FDA Feedback, Advancing ATH434 Phase 3 Development
- Positive FDA Feedback: Alterity Therapeutics received positive feedback during a Type C meeting with the FDA, confirming alignment on the chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) elements of its Phase 3 development program for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), marking a significant advancement in the company's pivotal clinical trial preparations.
- Phase 3 Trial Readiness: The FDA endorsed Alterity's plans for the manufacturing and testing of ATH434, laying the groundwork for its Phase 3 trial, which, if approved, could facilitate commercialization, demonstrating the company's confidence and commitment to developing disease-modifying therapies.
- Clinical Trial Progress: ATH434 has shown clinically meaningful efficacy in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial, and positive data from an open-label Phase 2 trial further enhances its market potential in the treatment of MSA.
- Future Planning: Alterity is set to hold an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in mid-2026 to ensure the smooth initiation of the Phase 3 trial, indicating a clear strategic vision and ongoing regulatory compliance in its future clinical development.
See More
ATH434 Shows Efficacy in Multiple System Atrophy
- Clinical Trial Results: In the Phase 2 trial for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), ATH434 demonstrated a reduction in functional decline at Week 52 compared to placebo, with treatment effects of -1.9 points at 75 mg and -4.0 points at 50 mg (p=0.034), indicating a relative treatment effect of 41%, showcasing its potential in MSA treatment.
- New Assessment Tool: The efficacy of ATH434 was validated using the MuSyCA composite scale, which integrates daily living activities and motor assessments, showing high sensitivity with placebo participants worsening by approximately 9.7 points over 52 weeks, confirming its effectiveness in clinical trials.
- Future Development Direction: Alterity is preparing to initiate a Phase 3 pivotal trial in MSA, with positive results from ATH434 reinforcing its foundation as a disease-modifying therapy, potentially transforming treatment prospects for MSA patients.
- Regulatory Engagement: The data presentation supports engagement with regulators, strengthening ATH434's clinical profile and potentially accelerating its path to market, further advancing Alterity's strategic positioning in the neurodegenerative disease sector.
See More
Alterity Appoints New Director to Strengthen Strategy
- New Board Member: Alterity Therapeutics appointed Ann Cunningham as an independent Non-Executive Director on April 17, 2026, enhancing the board's global commercial and strategic expertise to support the company's transition towards late-stage development in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
- Extensive Industry Experience: Cunningham brings over 25 years of global pharmaceutical and biotechnology experience, having held senior roles at Eli Lilly and Teva Pharmaceuticals, where she shaped commercial strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, which is expected to provide valuable market insights for Alterity's ATH434 project.
- Clinical Trial Advancement: Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as Alterity prepares to advance ATH434 into Phase 3 clinical trials, with expectations that her commercial leadership will help maximize the value of the company's pipeline and drive product commercialization.
- Patient-Focused Strategy: Cunningham expressed excitement about joining Alterity at this critical juncture, emphasizing the company's potential to address significant unmet needs in MSA, indicating her intention to leverage her experience to support the next phase of growth for the company.
See More
Alterity Announces KOL Event Focused on MSA Treatment
- KOL Event Announcement: Alterity Therapeutics will host a virtual KOL event on April 28, 2026, featuring Dr. Roy Freeman from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Daniel Claassen from Vanderbilt University to discuss the treatment landscape of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), aiming to raise awareness of this rare disease.
- ATH434 Candidate Overview: Alterity's lead candidate, ATH434, is considered a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy, having demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy in a randomized, double-blind Phase 2 trial, which could provide new treatment options for MSA patients.
- Phase 2 Data Review: The event will review Phase 2 clinical trial data for ATH434, offering new insights and analyses that will help attendees better understand the drug's potential and its application in MSA treatment.
- Phase 3 Planning Overview: Alterity will also outline its planned Phase 3 clinical trial, marking a significant step in advancing MSA treatment and potentially paving the way for future drug approvals.
See More
