Innovative Therapeutic Areas

Multiple System Atrophy: Symptoms, Progression, Diagnosis, and Teva’s Research Focus

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, rapidly progressing neurological disease that can affect movement, balance, and automatic body functions such as blood pressure, bladder control, swallowing, and breathing.

Explore what is known about MSA, how symptoms may develop, how the condition is diagnosed and managed, and why Teva is pursuing research in this area of significant unmet need.

Multiple system atrophy: key takeaways

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What it is

MSA is a rare, progressive neurological disease affecting movement, balance, and involuntary body functions.

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Who it affects

Symptoms most commonly begin between ages 40 and 60 years old and can occur in both men and women.

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Differentiation

MSA may resemble Parkinson’s disease, but it often progresses faster and responds less well to Parkinson’s medicines.

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What causes
the disease

The exact cause is unknown; MSA involves nerve-cell loss and abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the brain.

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How it is diagnosed

There is no single diagnostic test. Doctors assess symptoms and may use MRI and other specialist tests.

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How it is managed

There is currently no cure. Care focuses on managing symptoms, and improving quality of life.

Teva’s commitment to innovation in neuroscience
and MSA care

Teva has longstanding experience in neuroscience and is committed to advancing research in neurological and psychiatric conditions where significant unmet need remains. This work includes exploring new scientific approaches and pursuing collaborations that may expand understanding of complex diseases.

In MSA, Teva’s research activity includes a strategic collaboration with MODAG GmbH focused on the development of potential treatments. The work reflects Teva’s broader commitment to applying scientific expertise and external innovation to areas where people currently have limited treatment options.

MSA remains a challenging disease to diagnose and manage, and there is currently no cure. Continued research is important to improve scientific understanding and explore approaches that may one day help address the condition’s progression and impact. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    National Organization for Rare Disorders. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed January 2026]. 

FAQs: About Multiple System Atrophy

What is multiple system atrophy (MSA)?

What is multiple system atrophy (MSA)? Expand/ Collapse

MSA is a rare, rapidly progressing neurological disease. It affects nerve cells in several areas of the brain and can disrupt movement, balance, coordination, and automatic body functions such as blood pressure, bladder control, digestion, sweating, swallowing, and breathing. 

The word “progressive” means that symptoms worsen over time. The combination and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    NHS. Multiple system atrophy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed January 2026].

Who is affected by MSA?

Who is affected by MSA? Expand/ Collapse

MSA can affect both men and women. Symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 40 and 60, although the age at onset can vary. 01 02

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. Brief Guide to MSA. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/what-is-msa/brief-guide-to-msa/ [Accessed January 2026].

How is MSA different from Parkinson’s disease?

How is MSA different from Parkinson’s disease? Expand/ Collapse

MSA can look similar to Parkinson’s disease because both conditions may cause stiffness, slow movement, balance problems, and other Parkinson-like symptoms. Doctors may therefore find the conditions difficult to distinguish, particularly early on.

MSA usually progresses more rapidly and typically responds less well to medicines used for Parkinson’s disease. A resting tremor is also less common in MSA than in Parkinson’s disease. 01 02

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    Tremor in Multiple System Atrophy: a review. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3779823/ [Accessed January 2026].

What causes MSA?

What causes MSA? Expand/ Collapse

The exact cause of MSA is unknown. The disease involves degeneration, or loss, of nerve cells in multiple areas of the brain.

A distinguishing feature is the abnormal build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein in specialized cells that support nerve cells. The areas of the brain affected help determine the symptoms a person experiences. 01 02

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

How does MSA progress over time?

How does MSA progress over time? Expand/ Collapse

For many people, the first symptoms appear around age 60, although this varies. MSA worsens over time and can lead to increasing difficulty with movement and involuntary functions such as blood pressure control, bladder function, digestion, swallowing, and breathing.

Published patient information in the source material states that life expectancy after diagnosis is typically around six to ten years, although progression varies among individuals. 01 02 03 04

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. Brief Guide to MSA. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/what-is-msa/brief-guide-to-msa/ [Accessed January 2026].

  4. Back to contents.

    National Organization for Rare Disorders. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed January 2026].

What are the movement symptoms of MSA?

What are the movement symptoms of MSA? Expand/ Collapse

Movement symptoms can include muscle stiffness, slow movement, difficulty starting to move, tremor, an unsteady gait, and poor coordination. Some people may also notice that handwriting becomes smaller or less controlled. 

These Parkinson-like features may be accompanied by coordination and balance difficulties, including clumsiness, trouble with precise movements, and problems controlling eye movements. 01 02

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

What autonomic symptoms can MSA cause?

What autonomic symptoms can MSA cause? Expand/ Collapse

The autonomic nervous system controls body processes that happen without conscious effort. In MSA, disruption to this system can cause low blood pressure when standing, dizziness or fainting, bladder urgency or incontinence, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and reduced sweating. 

Other possible symptoms include disturbed sleep, noisy breathing, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, or breathing. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    Mayo Clinic. Multiple system atrophy: diagnosis and treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356157 [Accessed January 2026].

How is MSA diagnosed?

How is MSA diagnosed? Expand/ Collapse

There is currently no single medical test for MSA. Doctors may suspect the condition based on a combination of symptoms affecting movement, balance, coordination, and autonomic function. 

Diagnosis may include a medical history, neurological examination, assessment of autonomic symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other specialized tests. MRI findings may support the diagnosis or help rule out other causes of symptoms. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    Mayo Clinic. Multiple system atrophy: diagnosis and treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356157 [Accessed January 2026].

How is MSA treated and managed?

How is MSA treated and managed? Expand/ Collapse

There is currently no cure or treatment that stops the progression of MSA. Care focuses on managing individual symptoms and supporting quality of life.

Management described in the source material may include increasing fluid and salt intake, using compression garments, and raising the head while resting to reduce symptoms of low blood pressure. Parkinson-like stiffness or slowness may be treated with medicines, while constipation and other symptoms may require targeted support. Treatment decisions should be made with a healthcare professional. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    Mayo Clinic. Multiple system atrophy: diagnosis and treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356157 [Accessed January 2026].

Why does MSA remain an area of innovation?

Why does MSA remain an area of innovation? Expand/ Collapse

MSA is rare, progressive, difficult to diagnose, and currently has no cure. Its effects span movement and multiple involuntary body functions, creating a need for research that improves understanding of the biology of the disease and explores potential new treatment approaches.

Teva’s work in MSA includes a strategic collaboration with MODAG GmbH focused on developing potential treatments for people living with the condition. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    National Organization for Rare Disorders. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed January 2026].

Why is awareness of MSA important?

Why is awareness of MSA important? Expand/ Collapse

MSA can resemble other neurological conditions and may be misdiagnosed. Greater awareness can help people recognize that a combination of movement, balance, and autonomic symptoms warrants medical assessment and can support better understanding of the condition.

Anyone concerned about possible symptoms should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. 01 02 03

References

  1. Back to contents.

    MSA Trust. A Guide to Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V5.0.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

  2. Back to contents.

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed January 2026].

  3. Back to contents.

    National Organization for Rare Disorders. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed January 2026].