NMO Initiative

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is a rare autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Think of it like your body’s immune system mistakenly attacking these vital parts of your central nervous system.  
The hallmark of NMO is inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), which can cause eye pain and vision loss in one or both eyes. People with NMO also experience inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis), leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, pain, and problems with bladder and bowel control.  
What makes NMO distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS), another autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, is the presence of a specific antibody called anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody in most individuals with NMO. Aquaporin-4 is a protein found in high concentrations in the optic nerves and spinal cord, and this antibody targets and damages cells expressing this protein.  
NMO attacks can be severe and can lead to permanent disability if not treated promptly.
While there’s no cure for NMO, treatments focus on managing acute attacks, preventing relapses, and alleviating symptoms. These treatments often involve immunosuppressive therapies to reduce the abnormal immune response. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving the long-term outcomes for individuals living with NMO.  

Research Progress

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Systems Architecture

The Systems Architecture of Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is published as a Web-based tool open to public. Click below to interact with the systems architecture

Publication

A peer-reviewed publication from the Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) Initiative will be released soon to benefit the public by revealing powerful insights into the use of Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) for treating diseased conditions—support this initiative to advance scientific discovery and deliver real solutions.

In silico Modeling

In this phase, the Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) Initiative will conduct in silico modeling to identify and test the efficacy of compounds on autoimmunity, inflammation and neuronal damage activity. This phase is yet to begin.

Combination Screening

Patents

The Open Science Institute® through itsNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) research initiative is moving towards getting patents for a revolutionary compounds that affects autoimmunity, inflammation and neuronal damage activity.

Licensing and Manufacturing

The Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) Initiative plans to discover, develop, license and manufacture a NMO product which supports treatment of autoimmune diseases of Eye. Support our mission to bring this innovation to those who need it most. Please support this Phase by donating to the Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) Initiative