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NMOSD

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)

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What is NMOSD?

NMOSD is a rare disease in which the immune system is inappropriately activated to target healthy tissues and cells in the central nervous system (CNS).1

Approximately three-quarters of people with NMOSD are antiaquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive, meaning they produce antibodies that bind to the AQP4 protein. This binding can inappropriately activate the complement system to destroy cells in the optic nerve, spinal cord and brain. 2-4

Diagnosed prevalence in adults is:

Reference.6

~16K

In China

~6K

In US

~5K

In Europe

~4K

In Japan

NMOSD most commonly affects women and begins in the mid-30s. Men and children may also develop NMOSD, but it is even more rare. 7-10

Patients with NMOSD may experience: 

Most people living with NMOSD experience unpredictable attacks, known as relapses. Each relapse can result in cumulative disability including vision loss, paralysis and sometimes premature death.4, 11

Vision problems

including vision loss

Intense pain

Loss of bladder/bowel function

Fatigue

Abnormal skin sensations

tingling, prickling or sensitivity to heat/cold

Impact on coordination and/or movement

including paralysis

Nausea and/or uncontrolled vomiting

Hiccups

References

  1. Jarius S, et al. The History of Neuromyelitis Optica. J Neuroinflammation. 2013;10:797.
  2. Hamid SHM, et al. What Proportion of AQP4-IgG-negative NMO Spectrum Disorder Patients are MOG-IgG Positive? A Cross Sectional Study of 132 Patients. J Neurol. 2017;264(10), 2088-2094.
  3. Yick LW, et al. Aquaporin-4 Autoantibodies From Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patients Induce Complement-Independent Immunopathologies in Mice. Front. Immunol. 2018;9:1438.
  4. Wingerchuk DM, et al. The Spectrum of Neuromyelitis Optica. Lancet Neurol. 2007;6(9):805-15.
  5. Cedzynski M, et al. Editorial: The Role of Complement in Health and Disease. Front. Immunol. 2019;10:1869.
  6. AstraZeneca Data on File - Epidemiology estimates are composed of a triangulation of different data sources including Data Monitor, Decision Resources Group, Kantar Health, and internal input (updated as of May 2024).
  7. Bukhari W, et al. Incidence and Prevalence of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2017:88(8):632-638.
  8. Wingerchuk DM, et al. Revised diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica. Neurology. 2006;66(10):1485-1489.
  9. Drori T, et al. Diagnosis and classification of neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome). Autoimmunity Reviews. 2014;13(4-5):531-533.
  10. Eaneff S, et al. Patient perspectives on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Data from the PatientsLikeMe online community. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 2017;17:116-122.
  11. Mutch K, et al. Life on Hold: The Experience of Living with Neuromyelitis Optica. Disabil Rehabil. 2014:36(13):1100-1107.
  12. Mealy MA, et al. Assessment of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Using the EQ-5D. Int J MS Case. 2019;21(3):129-134.