Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)

NMOSD is a rare, lifelong and debilitating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, primarily damaging the optic nerve(s) and spinal cord. It affects around 200,000 people worldwide and is most common among women, affecting people in the prime of their lives, usually in their 30s and 40s.

People with NMOSD experience unpredictable, severe relapses directly causing cumulative, irreversible, neurological damage and disability. One relapse may lead to permanent blindness, muscle weakness, paralysis and, in some cases, death. Before targeted diagnostic and treatment of NMOSD, within five years 50% of individuals with NMOSD required a wheelchair and 62% of people with NMOSD were functionally blind.

The right help and support can bring stability to people with NMOSD and ease the burden of the disease. This includes enabling people with NMOSD to take control of how their condition is managed and treated, based on their changing needs, to help them maintain a sense of independence.

At Roche we believe greater awareness of NMOSD will benefit all those living with the condition; we are committed to the community through our ongoing research.

Only recently have we seen a significant advancement of our understanding of NMOSD, developing in-depth knowledge and new treatments. At Roche, we are committed to playing a significant part in this advancement, taking an innovative approach to research and development. By working closely with partners and patients, we can continue to transform the lives of those living with NMOSD. We never stop following the science, ensuring we’re doing now what patients need next, to help preserve what makes people who they are.