A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. Biomarkers help us understand relationships between environmental chemicals and human diseases to improve our ability to diagnose, monitor or predict disease risk. Currently, no biomarkers exist for PSP or CBD. They are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s. Biomarkers could help distinguish between these diseases, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses. They could also help track the progression of these conditions, providing objective measures of disease severity and allowing clinicians to monitor treatment effectiveness over time. Additionally, biomarkers could facilitate the development of targeted therapies by identifying specific biological pathways involved in PSP and CBD, paving the way for more precise and effective interventions and clinical trials.

A scientific initiative launched by CurePSP to advance the development of biomarkers for PSP. The program will focus on validating existing biomarker discoveries and supporting further research to move these findings into clinical and patient settings. CurePSP plans to collaborate with experienced biomarker researchers to shape a call for research proposals, tentatively launching in 2026, with the goal of awarding multiple $500,000 research grants to advance PSP biomarker research.

The biomarker landscape is still evolving. Researchers have made significant strides, but there’s much more to learn. Researchers are still trying to understand biomarkers in PSP, CBD and MSA.

For PSP, one promising biomarker is a protein in the brain called tau. When the tau protein doesn’t work correctly, it can clump together and form tangles, preventing nerve cells from communicating correctly. These tangles are linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s, PSP, CBD and many other neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers are exploring ways to use tau as a biomarker. It may help detect PSP earlier and track its progression. For example, advanced imaging can help researchers see these tangles. These images could improve the diagnosis of PSP.

For CBD, tau is also a focus. However, researchers seek more biomarkers to distinguish it from similar diseases. In MSA, alpha-synuclein, another brain protein, could be a potential biomarker. Measuring this protein may help doctors diagnose and track the disease earlier.

These discoveries are in the early stages and need more research. The challenge with these diseases is their rarity. Fewer patients mean fewer chances to test biomarkers. But even small breakthroughs bring researchers closer to a cure.  

The discovery of biomarkers is a complex process. It requires both science and patience. The typical process to discover any biomarker is as follows:

1. Discovery: Researchers study biological samples, like blood or brain scans, to find markers.
2. Validation: Once researchers find a potential biomarker, it's tested in different patient populations. This ensures that the biomarker is a sign of the disease or condition.
3. Application: Once validated, scientists and doctors can use biomarkers in clinics and drug trials. They are used with advanced technologies like special imaging agents.

With neurodegenerative diseases like PSP, the search for valuable biomarkers is difficult. This is because the brain is such a complex organ. But as science advances, so do researchers' abilities to discover biomarkers. 

Not all biomarkers look the same. Each type offers unique insights. There are three different types of biomarkers:

• Molecular Biomarkers: Proteins, genes, or other molecules found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid or tissue.
• Imaging Biomarkers: Changes visible on brain scans, like shrinkage or abnormal protein buildup.
• Physiological Biomarkers: Shifts in a person’s physical abilities.

For PSP and other neurological conditions, molecular biomarkers are key. Imaging biomarkers, such as brain patterns seen on MRI, provide more clues. Even physiological changes can be useful biomarkers. For example, difficulty with eye movements is a biomarker in PSP.

Together, the different biomarkers create a fuller picture of what is happening in the body. This increases the chances of meaningful discoveries.  

Biomarkers are vital in medicine and research. They help researchers detect and better understand diseases. They also aid in tailoring and finding new treatments.  

Biomarkers have many purposes:

• Diagnosis: Finding a disease or condition, often before symptoms show.
• Prognosis: Predicting how a disease might progress in an individual.
• Therapeutic Response: Measuring how well a treatment works over time.
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual's biomarkers.

Imagine trying to find a destination without a map or a GPS. This is what it was like to diagnose diseases before biomarkers. Just as a map or GPS helps you find your way in a new city, biomarkers help scientists understand the complex human body. They give doctors clear signals to diagnose sick people. For example, in cancer patients, biomarkers can identify the tumor type and the best treatment.

Biomarkers also help researchers create and test new therapies. Without them, the road to better treatments would be much slower. Biomarkers also help researchers develop treatments that target a disease's causes. With PSP, CBD and MSA biomarkers could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier. They could also track how well a treatment slows PSP's progression.  

Our funds will fuel translational and scalable efforts to move biomarker discoveries from the lab to real-world clinical applications. By supporting this initiative, you help bridge the gap between research and patient care, ensuring that breakthroughs in PSP biomarker development can be validated, implemented and scaled to benefit as many people as possible. Breakthroughs catalyzed by this initiative have the potential to change lives at an exponential rate.

Your support will push PSP research forward, enabling earlier diagnosis, better treatment and improved patient outcomes. Biomarkers are essential for clinical trials, disease monitoring and ultimately finding a cure. Your contribution can make that a reality.