Choose Language Donate to Illuminate Contact TSF
Visit us on Facebook Visit us on Twitter Visit us on YouTube Visit us on Instagram Visit us on Linkedin

Choose Your Language:

MOGAD Awareness Month

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)

In 2014, The Sumaira Foundation (TSF) launched to raise awareness of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and create a community of people brought together through shared experiences. 

As our network of patients, caregivers and supporters grew, the science was evolving. 

Researchers found patients who exhibited the same signs and symptoms as NMOSD, but the antibody and disease process differed. These patients’ immune systems create antibodies that attack the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and damage the nerves. 

Doctors have now acknowledged that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is its own diagnosis. Many patients in our NMOSD community have been reevaluated and given the MOGAD diagnosis. Due to its distinct pathophysiological features, MOGAD is emerging as its own disease entity; the presence of autoantibodies against MOG distinguishes it from related neuroinflammatory and demyelinating disorders. MOGAD is a rare neuroimmune condition that targets the MOG protein which is located on the surface of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system. Common symptoms include vision loss, color vision deficiency, paralysis, paraparesis, weakness, numbness, spasticity, vomiting, hiccups, seizures, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.

TSF is committed to supporting our MOGAD community the way we did when they “had” NMOSD.

After all, family is family, and we are more powerful…together. As a community, the distinction between NMOSD and MOGAD has always been negligible. The Foundation has actively supported MOGAD patients by developing advocacy tools like the MOGmentum series and Voices of MOG stories.

As of March 2022, TSF has invested over $160,000 in MOGAD-related research grants. We have produced 10 MOGAD inclusive webinars and are increasing MOGAD representation in our Demystifying NMO podcast with our partner, the Connor B Judge Foundation

We hope you join us in raising awareness this April during the 1st MOGAD Awareness Month.

Meet TSF’s MOG Squad

Elizabeth Brammer-Mayben | Nelly Campos | Yoka Heijstek | Laura Hinde | Saskia van Manen | Brian Dawson

Resources

MOGrelevant Webinars

cosMOG – MOGAD Clinical Trial

Sponsored by UCB Pharma, this clinical trial marks the first-ever clinical trial specifically for adults living with MOGAD. cosMOG is a Phase 3 (NCT05063162) study designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of rozanolixizumab for treatment of adult participants with MOGAD. To learn more,

TSF MOGAD Awareness Month Graphics

Graphics are available in English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Right click on the image to save and share!

Industry Partners

Community Partners

WARNING: Internet Explorer does not support modern web standards. This site may not function correctly on this browser and is best viewed on Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers. Learn More.