Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Disease

Address a Silent Challenger - Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Enhance its Treatment & Diagnostic Industry with DiseaseLandscape Insights (DLI)!!

There are diseases that remain unnoticed, discretely affecting lives without receiving the attention they deserve in a society where significant medical conditions frequently take center stage. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and severe neurodegenerative condition that has substantial and complex effects on people, is one such challenger.

MSA is an unusual disease that impacts ~15,000 to 50,000 Americans, people from all racial groups included. There is no recognized cause of MSA. Most occurrences are irregular, which means they happen at random. The accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein in glia, specialized brain cells that support nerve cells, is one characteristic of MSA. A specific kind of glia cell that produces myelin, a covering that aids nerve cells in transmitting electrical signals, is where alpha-synuclein deposits are most common.  Unlike MSA, where it builds up in the glia, alpha-synuclein accumulates in the nerve cells in Parkinson's. The terms "Synucleinopathies" are occasionally used to describe MSA and Parkinson's disease since they both involve an accumulation of the same protein.

Genes associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and other genes linked to Parkinson's disease have all been identified to affect MSA risk. However, the genetic basis of MSA is not fully known, and no specific gene has been found to be the cause of the disease.  The impact of environmental factors (such as toxins in food, air, or water) on a person's risk for MSA is still not clearly highlighted. Hence the development and progression of the disease is thought to be influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors. 

Most frequently, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting episodes are the first clinical symptoms a patient might report. However, in certain patients, the first symptoms may also include difficulties in initiating movement, body rigidity, urine incontinence, and an increase in falls. Because the autonomic nervous system is crucial for regulating bodily functions like blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, urine, and sexual function, MSA is primarily a disease that affects it. However, other patients don't appear to have strong autonomic symptoms, highlighting the wide variety of symptoms experienced by different people.

The two varieties of MSA are distinguished by the patient's most conspicuous symptoms at the time of evaluation:

Parkinsonian type MSA (MSA-P) is characterized by primary symptoms that resemble those of Parkinson's disease (such as slowness of movement, stiffness, and tremors), as well as balance and coordination issues and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (such as urinary issues, abnormal sweating, and digestion issues).

Cerebellar type MSA (MSA-C) is characterized by aberrant eye movements, trouble swallowing, speech difficulties or trembling, and issues with balance and coordination (ataxia).

The National Library of Medicine claims that Multiple system atrophy (MSA) has international epidemiology. In the year 2022, an incidence of 0.6-3 cases per 100,000 individuals annually and a prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% of every 100,000 persons was reported. Each gender is equally affected by the disease. The onset of MSA usually begins in the sixth decade with an average onset age of 56 ± 9 years. According to geographic and racial regions, different motor subtypes are more prevalent; for example, MSA-cerebellar is more prevalent in Japanese, Korean, and Mestizo populations (70–80%). MSA-parkinsonian prevalence is higher in populations from Europe and North America (67%–84%).

It is crucial to raise awareness among medical professionals and the general public since the intricacy of MSA makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and provide targeted therapy. DiseaseLandscape Insights (DLI) services aim to create a collaborative effort to assist research, support, and improve care for people with this disease through educational resources, and professional insights.

MSA Diagnostic Analysis –

Reshape the Multiple System Atrophy Diagnostic Techniques with DiseaseLandscape Insights (DLI)!!

As many of the symptoms are similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, diagnosing MSA is challenging, especially in the early stages. A doctor requests tests to support the diagnosis in addition to gathering a patient's medical and family history, doing a neurological examination, and other procedures. These examinations may involve:

• Autonomic Tests -

To evaluate the body's uncontrollable processes, doctors also conduct other tests, such as blood pressure, sweat tests, tests to evaluate the function of the bowels and bladder, and electrocardiography to monitor the heart's electrical impulses

• Neuroimaging –

 Neuroimaging tests aid in the exclusion of other medical conditions or provide proof for the diagnosis of MSA. Several possible tests consist of:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-

   This test occasionally reveals parts of the brain that have deteriorated, which aids medical professionals in making a more precise diagnosis. It is also used to identify MSA-C, which generates a crisscross pattern in your brain, often known as the "hot cross bun" sign. That sign manifests as some brain tissue deteriorates while other parts do not. According to the National Library of Medicine, the "hot cross bun" indication has a low sensitivity of 50% but a high specificity of 97%. The Putaminal Rim sign, which has a 90% specificity and 72% sensitivity, is a hyperintense rim around the putamen on iron-sensitive imaging

2. Dopamine Transporter (DaT scan) –

   This test analyzes the location and metabolism of dopamine in the brain. When a patient has clinical parkinsonism, the DaT scan is typically abnormal and does not distinguish between MSA, Parkinson's disease, or other atypical Parkinsonian disorders

3. Positron Emission Tomography –

   This test is done to monitor the metabolic function in specific regions of the brain. A Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is useful in cases where the diagnosis is ambiguous since it detects hypometabolism in the putamen, brainstem, or cerebellum

Additionally, the validity of this test is questioned given that cardiac Meta-Iodo-Benzyl-Guanidine (MIBG) abnormalities can occur in up to ~30% of MSA patients.

Below are the key players & product names in the diagnostic industry who are reshaping the healthcare sector with their ever-evolving inventions –

MSA Treatment Analysis –

There is currently no cure for MSA and no effective treatment to stop or reduce MSA growth. To help people deal with the symptoms, there are remedies.

• Levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's symptoms, helps some people with their motor function, but the advantages are frequently fleeting.
• Wearing compression stockings or an abdominal binder, adding more salt to the diet, drinking more water, and avoiding heavy meals all help prevent the fainting and dizziness brought on by orthostatic hypotension.
• To prevent blood pressure from lowering, doctors prescribe medications.
• Dystonia (abnormal muscular postures) is sometimes relieved by injections of Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox.

Additionally, some medications help with MSA-related sleep issues like sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and bladder control. The development of techniques to deal with swallowing issues might be assisted by speech therapy. Some MSA patients who have severe swallowing issues require a feeding tube or nutritional assistance. Physical therapy assists with preserving mobility, reducing contractures, reducing muscle spasms, and correcting bad posture. As a person with MSA loses mobility, walkers and wheelchairs might be helpful. Occupational therapists assist with maintaining home security and discovering new approaches to dealing with daily routines like dressing and eating.

Healthcare entrepreneurs now have a market opportunity because there is currently no treatment for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). By offering insights, fostering research collaboration, and assisting with strategic choices, DLI consulting, and market research companies aid in navigating this environment. We spur developments that improve patient well-being and influence the direction of MSA research and care in the future.

The below table showcases the key manufacturers & and product names of the medications used to treat MSA –

Latest Updates on MSA –

It might be challenging to distinguish MSA apart from other incapacitating movement diseases. Biomarkers that differentiate MSA from other movement disorders and monitor the progression of disease-specific neurodegeneration are being developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) funded researchers utilizing specialized brain imaging techniques. Researchers funded by NINDS are also examining whether differentiating between different forms of the aberrant protein alpha-synuclein can aid in the differential diagnosis of MSA and other neurodegenerative illnesses.

To develop biomarkers for Synucleinopathies like MSA and to build a registry of possible patients for clinical trials, the NIH-funded North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy (NAPS) Consortium is gathering clinical data, biofluids, and neuroimaging data.

Regulatory Framework –

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) regulatory framework integration with DiseaseLandscape Insights has the potential to greatly improve global disease management methods. DiseaseLandscape Insights successfully directs risk assessment, regulatory refinement, surveillance protocols, research coordination, and international collaboration by utilizing data-driven insights adapted to various regulatory norms in various nations. Through the promotion of preventive, control, and response strategies, DLI equips institutions and stakeholders to proactively handle the difficulties posed by MSA. The regulatory framework safeguards the health of afflicted people and communities while enhancing accuracy in MSA research and care plans with the help of DLI, ultimately forming a more all-encompassing and clear strategy to combat this complicated condition.

Recently, Ampreloxetine was given Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 9, 2023, to treat symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) in MSA patients. Theravance Biopharma produced the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Ampreloxetine.

Clinical Assessment –

DiseaseLandscape Insights assists with patient recruiting methods, regulatory compliance, planning and directing clinical trials for novel medications and treatments, securing positive trial findings, etc. The below table gives details about the ongoing clinical trials -

Conclusion –

As a healthcare-focused market research and consulting organization, we play a crucial part in assisting healthcare enthusiasts by offering insightful information, strategic counsel, and workable solutions for a range of treatment, diagnosis, and clinical trial options. Our services carefully analyze the market to pinpoint new trends, patient requirements, and weaknesses in current strategies. Our data-driven intelligence helps healthcare devotees develop efficient treatment protocols, make well-informed judgments, and adapt diagnosis methods to particular patient profiles.

Our company provides thorough feasibility analysis for clinical trials, assisting with trial design, patient recruitment, and protocol improvement. Our knowledge streamlines trial procedures while ensuring moral behavior, legal compliance, and effective execution. Healthcare enthusiasts overcome obstacles, improve trial success rates, and hasten the development of novel therapies by utilizing our industry expertise.

In essence, DiseaseLandscape Insights (DLI) equips enthusiasts to successfully navigate challenging environments, make the best use of available resources, and produce significant results that advance patient care and medical research.