HSP Research Foundation

Welcome to the HSP Research Foundation – created in 2005 to find an effective treatment for the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSPs) – a group of progressive, inherited, degenerative diseases affecting mainly the legs, causing spasticity, muscle weakness and severely impairing walking.

The HSP Research Foundation is an incorporated, registered Australian charity that facilitates and funds research to find effective treatments and cures. The Foundation is also the community hub for people with HSP in Australia, creating awareness and providing information, education and support. Read more »

Autumn Edition 2023

Winter edition to be published early June 2023

Research highlights »

Gait changes measure HSP progression

Evidence established in large study

Speech impairment frequent and mild in SPG4

Speech therapy evaluation recommended

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New HSP gene discovered – SPTSSA

Found to cause complex HSP in 3 children

Body, blood and brain changes in SPG 11

Metabolic therapies may have potential

Mouse & human symptoms linked in SPG47

Potential for testing therapies

New HSP genotypes & phenotypes

Research from China, Mali, India, Taiwan, Russia, Saudi Arabia

Living with HSPmanagement & treatment news »

Treatable genetic disorder misdiagnosed as HSP

Addition to HSP gene testing panels recommended

2 Exercises for HSP

Add to your routine

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The HSP Journey

Helpful infographics developed

Worried about someone’s mental well-being?

Planning a conversation can help

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Clinician and patient HSP outcomes compared

The SPRS alone showed clinical progression

Gait adaptability training in pure HSP

Evidence for improvement lacking

Foundation News »

Vale Alan Mackay-Sim

Outstanding scientist & dear friend of the HSP community

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Rare Disease Day, 28 February

Celebrate Rare Disease Day to raise public awareness

Adelaide Open Garden event, 11 – 13 March

Fundraiser for HSP research

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Recent Social Events

Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne

SP Foundation (US) research funding awards

Over $1 million goes to 7 projects

Foundation research team

Here are the researchers working on the HSP Research Program facilitated and funded by the Foundation

Prof Carolyn Sue

Dr Rebecca Schüle

Dr Gautam Wali

Dr Sue-Faye Siow

Dr Kishore Kumar

Fundraising for HSP research

The aim of the HSP Research Program is to find an effective treatment for HSP. The focus is on SPG4, the most common type of HSP, responsible for around half of all cases globally.

The Foundation remains fully committed to this aim and continues to push ahead despite challenges imposed by the global coronavirus pandemic. Important breakthroughs have recently been made on biomarkers and analytical tests, with exciting new developments in cell morphomics. The Foundation is also facilitating global collaborations to develop gene therapies for very rare forms of HSP.

Consistent funding support helps attract outside funding. In 2022, we fell short of the $140,000 target. Let’s aim to fix that in 2023!
Give now »

An effective treatment is now within reach!

2023

$140,000 target

$7,582

18 February 2023

2022

$140,000 target

$109,880

31 December 2022