Catalyzing Hope Through Science: CurePSP Launches Biomarker Accelerator Program to Transform PSP Diagnosis and Treatment

Innovative initiative aims to bridge critical gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical care for progressive supranuclear palsy

CurePSP has announced the launch of its Biomarker Accelerator Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate the development of biomarkers for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The program represents a major step forward in addressing one of the most significant challenges facing those living with PSP and their families: the lack of reliable biomarkers to guide diagnosis, track disease progression and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Currently, no definitive diagnostic test exists for PSP. Patients and physicians must navigate uncertain clinical evaluations and indirect imaging methods, often resulting in misdiagnosis, delayed care and missed treatment opportunities. Studies show that PSP is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions due to overlapping symptoms, leaving patients without appropriate care for months or years.

Beyond diagnosis, the lack of reliable biomarkers creates a ripple effect that hinders progress on multiple levels. Without clear biological indicators to confirm PSP, monitor how the disease changes over time or determine whether treatments are working, researchers struggle to measure if new therapies are effective. With reliable biomarkers, researchers could design more targeted clinical trials and doctors could track treatment responses to optimize care for each individual.

Biomarkers can be thought of as biological fingerprints that can offer families and doctors the clarity they've been seeking. They can take the form of molecules in blood, other body fluids or tissues, as well as measurable signals from imaging tests. These indicators can reveal normal or abnormal processes in the body and point to the presence of a particular condition or disease. For PSP, biomarkers detected through blood tests or brain scans could help distinguish it from Parkinson's disease and other conditions with overlapping symptoms, finally breaking the cycle of misdiagnosis that many families know all too well.

The scientific landscape for PSP biomarkers shows growing promise. Researchers worldwide are exploring the tau protein, which forms harmful tangles in PSP brains, as a potential biomarker. Advanced imaging techniques are beginning to visualize these tangles, offering hope for improved diagnosis and disease tracking. Blood-based biomarkers are also emerging as compelling tools for early detection.

Dr. Kristophe Diaz, Chief Executive Officer at CurePSP, stressed that now is the time for PSP research to build on these advances.

“Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research have shown us what’s possible when biomarkers move from discovery to practice. Today, commercially available blood tests and advanced brain scans can detect the proteins that drive the disease, giving doctors a clearer picture earlier than ever before,” Dr. Diaz said. “PSP cannot be left behind. Science is more advanced, the tools are emerging, and our community has waited long enough. Now is the time to advance PSP biomarkers so that we can unlock earlier diagnoses, guide clinical trials more effectively and ultimately bring better treatments within reach.”

These landmark discoveries require extensive validation before they can be used in research settings or benefit people with PSP in clinical settings, which is a critical gap that the Biomarker Accelerator Program is designed to address.

The program will accept proposals from experienced biomarker researchers and award multiple $500,000 research grants. The initiative will focus on moving laboratory findings into real-world research or clinical settings, bridging the gap between discovery and patient care. The program will begin to accept applications this fall, with the first awards going out in 2026.

Dr. Jennifer Brummet, Director of Scientific Affairs and Partnerships at CurePSP, emphasizes the practical application and transformative potential of these investments.

“Through the Biomarker Accelerator Program, CurePSP will support the essential translational work needed to bring PSP biomarkers to research and clinical use,” Dr. Brummet said. “The program represents an investment in the research community, that will accelerate biomarker discoveries closer to those impacted by PSP.”

The program will prioritize translational research that moves discoveries from bench to bedside, with a focus on biomarkers that can serve multiple purposes: enabling early diagnosis before symptoms appear, predicting disease progression and measuring treatment effectiveness.

The Biomarker Accelerator Program represents a pivotal moment in the fight against PSP, marking CurePSP's commitment to transforming the landscape for those affected. By supporting the critical validation work that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical care, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize PSP diagnosis and treatment strategies, bringing new hope to a community that has long sought these breakthroughs.

Learn more about the program and contribute to make a difference.