Defeat MSA Alliance and Global Partners Announce 2026 Research Funding Awards
Defeat MSA Alliance (USA) and Defeat MSA/Vaincre AMS Canada, affiliated partners in the MSA United Research Consortium, together with additional funding provided by the Valérie Garneau Fund, hosted byFondation Québec Philanthrope, are happy to announce funding support for eight outstanding researchers advancing critical work in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
These 2026 research funding awards represent a coordinated global investment in accelerating scientific progress across key areas of MSA research. The funded projects span leading institutions in North America, Europe, and Oceania, reflecting a shared international commitment to improving disease understanding, diagnostic precision, and future therapeutic development.
A Strategic Global Investment in MSA Research
Multiple System Atrophy remains a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease without an FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy. Research progress requires focused collaboration, translational science, and thoughtful allocation of resources.
The eight funded projects of 2026 address core pillars of advancement, including:
- Disease Pathogenesis – Investigating the biological mechanisms driving MSA, particularly the role of alpha-synuclein dysfunction and cellular vulnerability
- Biomarker Discovery – Identifying measurable indicators that improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis
- Preclinical Investigation – Advancing laboratory research that lays the groundwork for therapeutic testing
- Clinical Research – Strengthening patient-centered studies that evaluate symptom management and treatment strategies
By supporting work across these interconnected areas, Defeat MSA Alliance and its global partners are strengthening the scientific pipeline needed to move from discovery to real-world patient impact.
Among the eight investigators awarded grant funds this year is Professor Henry Houlden. Professor Houlden is a Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics at University College London, Queen Square, in London, UK. He is an international leader in neurology and genetics, renowned for his work on repeat expansion disorders, genetic risk factors, and the identification of novel disease genes.
His long-running MSA work has centered on (1) genetics and risk discovery and (2) building patient bioresources and biomarkers to speed diagnosis and therapy development. Professor Houlden was honored as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) and has been recognized by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as a Senior Investigator — a competitive lifetime research award for outstanding clinical and applied researchers.
His leadership appointments include Group Leader of the UK Dementia Research Institute, signifying his global stature in neurogenetics, movement disorders, and mechanisms underlying conditions such as MSA and Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Houlden’s study, funded by Defeat MSA Alliance (USA), will help identify biomarkers to aid clinicians in making an early and accurate diagnosis of MSA, as well as develop a disease staging profile to predict progression and prognosis. His work promises to benefit clinical trials through the earlier inclusion of patients into future disease-modifying trials and will also advance understanding of the underlying disease biology.
Being able to make an accurate and early diagnosis is of increasing importance given the advent of treatment trials aimed at preventing or slowing disease progression.
Each of the 2026 awarded researchers brings specialized expertise to the global effort against MSA, contributing to a broader, coordinated research strategy designed to accelerate progress.
Honoring Valérie Garneau (1974–2023)
This year’s funding cycle was further strengthened by the generous support of the Valérie Garneau Philanthropic Fund, hosted by Fondation Québec Philanthrope. The Fund supports awareness, research, and community initiatives related to MSA.
Valérie Garneau played a special role in the MSA United Research Consortium, serving on the board of directors for partnering charity Defeat MSA/Vaincre AMS Canada. She and her husband, Joel Philibert, both served as charity directors, with Valérie becoming the first French Canadian MSA patient advocate in Canada.
This meaningful contribution underscores the profound impact individual stories and legacies have in driving research forward. Partnerships remain essential in rare disease research, where focused investment can unlock transformative discoveries.
Building a Coordinated Global Research Network
The MSA United Research Consortium continues to expand its international footprint, uniting charitable organizations and scientific leaders across borders. By pooling resources and aligning funding priorities, the consortium ensures research dollars are invested strategically — avoiding duplication and maximizing impact.
This collaborative model enables:
- Shared scientific expertise (18+ research advisors)
- Cross-border data and resource exchange
- Global targeted research calls aligned with community needs
- Transparent reporting to donors and families
For patients and caregivers, this means research that is not fragmented but connected — working toward earlier diagnosis, improved symptom management, and ultimately, disease-modifying treatments.
Looking Ahead
Defeat MSA Alliance (USA), the MSA United Research Consortium, and their nine affiliated partners remain steadfast in their mission: advancing meaningful research while supporting individuals and families affected by MSA.
Progress in rare disease research requires sustained commitment, global collaboration, and community support. Together, we are building the scientific foundation needed to change the future of MSA.
