Healthcare Professionals

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is one of a group of progressive disorders called frontotemporal dementia (FTD), that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, and for which there are no approved treatments. The cause for PSP is unknown, and it affects approximately 25,000 people in the United States and 50,000 people in the European Union.

How does PSP affect the brain?

PSP affects the brainstem, which controls many different brain functions and offers a connection between the brain and the body’s muscles. As such, patients often lose control over movement and coordination. This may materialize in weakness of vertical eye movement, unsteady balance, involuntary movements, slurred speech and/or trouble swallowing. Additional symptoms include forgetfulness, depression and irritability.

How is PSP diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PSP is carried out using a number of tests that can be conducted to recognize disease-specific symptoms such as postural instability and unsteady gait, in addition to ruling out other diseases that have similar symptoms.

While there are no currently-approved treatments for PSP, current care involves treating the symptoms associated with the disease, particularly in the form of physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Standard lab tests are used to exclude other diseases that have symptoms similar to PSP. This would include tests to exclude Parkinson’s disease, stroke and infections or blood disorders. In addition, sleep tests including polysomnograms, can offer additional information regarding a patient’s health status. Sleep patterns are often abnormal in patients with PSP.

What are the treatment options for PSP?

There are currently no approved treatments for PSP. Certain medications, coupled with physical therapy, may help minimize the effects of PSP and maximize existing gait stability, as well as the patient’s overall quality of life.

Allon Clinical Trials

Allon Therapeutics is currently enrolling PSP patients in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial for davunetide. If you would like additional information regarding Allon’s PSP study, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov or email to the Company’s clinical research department at .

For additional information regarding the science behind davunetide and its development, please refer to the Science and Product Development sections of Allon Therapeutic’s website for more information.

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