ATHE · Alterity Therapeutics Limited

Alterity Therapeutics announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in NeuroImage demonstrating that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI can detect disease-specific iron accumulation in the brains of patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), distinguish MSA from Parkinson's disease, and track clinical disease severity. The study utilized data from Alterity's bioMUSE Natural History Study and additional cross-sectional data. Key findings include significantly higher iron content in the lentiform nucleus of MSA patients versus healthy controls and PD patients, with moderate-to-good accuracy in differentiating MSA from PD (AUC 0.76–0.79). Iron content correlated with overall disease severity on the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS). Longitudinal data showed progressive iron accumulation paralleling clinical decline. The company's lead candidate, ATH434, an oral iron chaperone, has shown positive Phase 2 results and is being advanced to Phase 3. Alterity has received positive FDA feedback and is on track for an End-of-Phase 2 meeting in mid-2026. This publication validates the use of QSM as a biomarker for iron-modulating therapies in MSA, supporting the clinical program for ATH434.