Research on Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) at the Clínic

The Clínic Barcelona conducts various projects and research lines focused on Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and atypical parkinsonism.

Among the most notable studies are Stepback-PSP, which analyses symptoms that appear before diagnosis, and the Barcelona PSP Registry, funded by La Marató de TV3. This registry has clinically and biologically characterised, using biomarkers, over 100 cases from different hospitals in the province of Barcelona. Partial results, including clinical findings and laboratory biomarkers, have already been published.

Other projects include studies on the early symptoms of certain neurological diseases (synucleinopathies) and how biological indicators (biomarkers) can help with diagnosis. Research also focuses on MOBP gene polymorphisms in PSP and tau molecular imaging using PET scans.

In addition, the Clínic has participated in several clinical trials promoted by the pharmaceutical industry aimed at modifying the disease, such as the UCB PSP002, ORION and PROSPER trials.

The group has driven significant innovations at a national level. It was the first centre in Spain to implement the use of the alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay (SAA/RT-QuIC) in cerebrospinal fluid, which helps distinguish Parkinson's disease from PSP in both research and clinical practice.

It was also the first centre in Catalonia, and the second in Spain, to use the PI2620 radiotracer for tau molecular imaging with PET, aiming to improve early diagnosis of PSP.