Rare Connections in NMOSD

Rare Connections in NMOSD is a groundbreaking short film from Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, designed to raise awareness of NMOSD, drive connection within the global NMOSD community and spark dialogue about health equity in rare disease. The film elevates patient voices to drive education, furthering efforts to reduce time to diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Alexion has a longstanding commitment to the communities they serve, which goes beyond developing therapeutics to help close gaps in treatment, care and access.

The film brings together three patients – Craig, Alex and Marie – to share their stories and uncover the connections between them through the exchange of personal letters. Their raw, honest letters underscore the debilitating impact of NMOSD and reflect the challenges that many people with rare diseases face: misdiagnosis, feeling dismissed and isolated, and lack of access to care. However, the true power of the film lies in witnessing these individuals discover that they are united not only by their diagnosis but also by their resilience, determination, and an inherent need for community.

Rare Connections in NMOSD was first debuted in March 2024 to the NMOSD patient and caregiver community, and then premiered for a broader audience in April 2024 at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. The film is currently available to stream on Alexion’s global YouTube channel and there is an accessible version available to ensure those who are visually impaired can experience the film in a meaningful way.

Since its premiere, the film has reached thousands – including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the general public:
- 35,500+ views on Alexion’s YouTube page
- 100+ attendees at the NYC community premiere
- Screenings at leading neurology medical congresses, including the American Academy of Neurology and the European Academy of Neurology