Tau Targeted but Trial Negative in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a relatively rare neurodegenerative cause of atypical parkinsonism associated with eye-movement abnormalities, axial rigidity, frequent falls, and a frontal-type behavioral syndrome. Characteristic neuropathology is four microtubule-binding repeat (4R) tau in the neurons and glia of the brainstem, basal ganglia, and cerebellar nuclei, with variable cortical involvement. Davunetide, an investigational agent derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein, has shown promise in tau-related disorders in animal studies and in patients with mild cognitive impairment by promoting microtubule stability and reducing tau phosphorylation. In this double-blind, parallel group, manufacturer-funded phase 2/…