Please tell me about the latest treatments for Multiple System Atrophy.

I am willing to try any treatment. I currently take medication to raise my blood pressure because I faint due to dizziness. What treatments are available for Multiple System Atrophy?

Tokyo S.K.

With a better understanding of the pathology of Multiple System Atrophy, various clinical trials have begun.

Treatments such as gene therapy to suppress α-synuclein production and the use of coenzyme Q10, which has neuroprotective antioxidant properties, have shown promising results. However, these treatments are still in the clinical trial phase, and there is currently no widely available treatment that cures the root cause of the disease.

The severe symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy can be somewhat managed with symptomatic medications. Acupuncture treatments that activate the brain's nerves and rehabilitation immediately following acupuncture are also effective. These can be used in conjunction with medication treatments, often leading to improvements in SARA scores.
*SARA - A globally recognized assessment method for Multiple System Atrophy

Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

Written by

Moriue Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

With 37 years of experience in treating Multiple System Atrophy, he has adopted unique diagnostic methods like medical thermography, examining and treating over 200,000 patients with notable results. He calls himself a "Thermographer." Specializing in acupuncture treatments for Multiple System Atrophy, he interprets data on autonomic nervous and stress states to provide personalized treatments for each patient. Born on the Day of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 62 years old.

ION464 (also known as BIIB101)

This is an antisense drug currently in clinical trials that inhibits the genetic information for α-synuclein production. A clinical trial involving 24 patients with Multiple System Atrophy, where ION464 is administered intrathecally, is ongoing in Europe. Phase I trials have been conducted.
*Antisense drugs: RNA drugs that bind to and inhibit or suppress the function of RNA that conveys protein synthesis.

NBMI

This is an antioxidant drug that is expected to prevent the aggregation of α-synuclein. Currently, Phase II trials are being conducted with 16 patients with Multiple System Atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Immunotherapy (Lu AF82422)

This is an antibody treatment that may slow or inhibit the progression of MSA by neutralizing and removing α-synuclein. Phase II trials have been conducted in the US and Japan, and the results were announced on February 5, 2024. No significant beneficial effects were observed.

Rituximab

Rituximab is a drug used to treat rheumatoid diseases. MSA is known for causing neuroinflammation due to oxidative stress and is often associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Phase II trials targeting 50 patients with MAS-C are ongoing in China to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of Rituximab.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Autotransplantation

Mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into glial cells (the cells that degenerate in Multiple System Atrophy), can be extracted from one’s bone marrow or fat. It is unclear whether intravenous administration can reach and engraft in the brain. Intrathecal injections are being tested at the Mayo Clinic, while intra-arterial administration is being tested in Korea.
*Intrathecal injection: Since the brain has a blood-brain barrier that prevents drug delivery, directly injecting drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid may be effective.

Coenzyme Q10

It is assumed that some people have a genetic predisposition to develop Multiple System Atrophy. Among them, an anomaly in the gene that synthesizes coenzyme Q10 was discovered, leading to clinical trials using coenzyme Q10. Compared to the placebo group, approximately a 30% reduction in disease progression was observed.
*Since the intake amount is about 10 times the usual amount, future research needs to focus on efficient absorption to prevent side effects.

Acupuncture Outpatient Care for Multiple System Atrophy

We perform examinations from a different perspective than doctors and incorporate them into acupuncture treatments.

Examine Body Tilt

In Olive-Pons cerebellar atrophy, as body tilt increases, symptoms are more likely to progress, so we examine body tilt. We identify the postural muscles causing the tilt and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Examine Autonomic Nervous System Status

In Multiple System Atrophy, autonomic dysfunction often precedes symptom worsening. Disorders of the autonomic nervous center appear as changes in body surface temperature, so we analyze temperature to anticipate deterioration and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Examine Blood Flow to the Brain

Patients with progressing Multiple System Atrophy often have impaired cerebral blood flow. Since blood flow changes based on posture, we assess cerebral blood flow in the most common daily postures and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Stimulate Acupuncture Points Based on Examination Results

Based on the examination results, we stimulate specific acupuncture points, making it possible to provide highly effective acupuncture treatment for Multiple System Atrophy.