Danish-based Lundbeck (OTCMKTS: HLUBF) has announced plans to initiate a global investigational study on multiple system atrophy (MSA), named TALISMAN. The trial will be conducted at sites in China and the European Union, marking a significant step in understanding and addressing this rare neurodegenerative disease.
Disease Background
MSA is a rare, rapidly progressive sporadic neurodegenerative disease with a prevalence of 2-5/100,000 in the United States and the European Union. MSA-P, characterized by Parkinson’s symptoms, accounts for approximately 70% of cases. In China, MSA has been included on the government’s first list of rare diseases, though epidemiological data are currently lacking. Patients are typically diagnosed between the ages of 50-60, with a median survival of 6-10 years after symptom onset. Diagnosis often takes considerable time, and patients frequently face complex disease management, poor drug response, and limited treatment options.
Study Design and Objectives
The TALISMAN study is an observational, prospective, multicenter cohort study focusing on relatively early-stage MSA patients. It aims to explore disease progression and identify biomarkers to enhance understanding of MSA epidemiology. The Chinese component of the study will include a Chinese version of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) for psychometric validation. Insights from this study will support MSA drug development by identifying target populations for clinical trials and improving treatment effect evaluation.-Fineline Info & Tech
