Tributyrin for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

(BUTTER2 Trial)

This trial tests a supplement called tributyrin to determine its safety and tolerability for people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a brain disease affecting balance, movement, and eye movement. Researchers aim to discover if taking this supplement and participating in virtual check-ups benefits those with PSP. Participants will take either the tributyrin supplement or a placebo (a harmless pill with no active ingredient) for about three months. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with PSP-Richardson syndrome who have trouble with eye movement and frequently experience unprovoked falls. Participants must have internet access for virtual visits and a caregiver to assist them. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking PSP research.

Research has shown that tributyrin appears safe when tested in people. In a small study for Parkinson's disease, participants tolerated tributyrin well, with no major safety issues. This study was the first to provide data on humans and suggested that tributyrin could be safe to use. Although specific safety studies for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) are lacking, the positive results in other conditions are promising. Always consult a healthcare professional to understand the possible risks and benefits.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike the standard treatments for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which typically focus on managing symptoms with medications like levodopa, Tributyrin is unique because it targets the condition at a cellular level. Researchers are excited about Tributyrin because it is a derivative of butyrate, a substance thought to have neuroprotective properties that might help slow disease progression. This potential new mechanism of action sets it apart from current therapies that do not alter the underlying disease process.

Research suggests that tributyrin might help individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Tributyrin, a form of butyrate, is a fatty acid that may enhance brain health. Some studies have indicated that butyrate can reduce inflammation and protect brain cells, potentially benefiting those with PSP. Although direct evidence on tributyrin specifically for PSP remains limited, its positive effects on brain health warrant further investigation. In this trial, participants will receive either tributyrin or a placebo to assess its effectiveness. Early signs suggest tributyrin might help manage symptoms, but further research is necessary to confirm its efficacy.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰