Announcing The Progress Grant for NMOSD

April 1, 2021 – The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association’s Eclipse Fund for research is excited to share the establishment of The Progress Grant for NMOSD made possible by a research grant from Horizon Pharmaceuticals (formerly Viela Bio). The Eclipse Fund in memory of Pauline H. Siegel was established to support and accelerate research that will directly impact quality of life for the members of our community.

This grant will fund research aimed to improve understanding of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and positively impact those living with NMOSD, specifically among Asian and African American populations. Research has shown that these groups are disproportionately affected by NMOSD, and SRNA hopes additional research can help the broader NMOSD community understand how to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people with NMOSD.

“We are happy to continue our partnership with Horizon Pharmaceuticals through The Progress Grant for NMOSD,” shares SRNA’s President and co-founder, Dr. Sanford Siegel, “This is an important milestone for the greater NMOSD community, specifically those most notably impacted by this life-altering disorder.” SRNA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support of children, adolescents, and adults with a spectrum of rare neuroimmune disorders including NMOSD.

“The Progress Grant for NMOSD furthers the important collaboration between Horizon Pharmaceuticals and the rare disease advocacy community,” states Dr. Quinn Dinh, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs at Horizon Pharmaceuticals “We applaud SRNA for the work they have done for those living with NMOSD and other rare neuroimmune disorders and are honored to support in further research within these greatly impacted populations.” Horizon Pharmaceuticals received approval for Uplizna® (inebilizumab-cdon) for the treatment of NMOSD in June 2020.

More information on the grant application requirements and timeline will be provided on April 5th, 2021 when the RFP will be released.