CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA) and other neurological disorders can be greatly affected by the symptoms of their disease such as neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) that result from autonomic dysfunction. To give a voice to patients and their family caregivers who are impacted by the symptoms of NOH, Chelsea Therapeutics (Nasdaq:CHTP) announced today the formation of a partnership with leading medical and patient experts called the Alliance for NOH Awareness and the launch of an educational web site, www.SignsofNOH.com.
The Alliance for NOH Awareness – a group of dedicated experts including medical professionals, patient advocates and family caregivers – is focused on raising awareness and understanding of NOH, its distinct signs and symptoms and daily symptom management. The most common symptoms of NOH include dizziness, lightheadedness and/or fainting upon standing or sitting up.
"NOH can have a profound impact on the daily life of both patients and their caregivers. People suffering from NOH worry that their symptoms will cause them to black out or fall down, which could lead to serious injuries," said Dr. Steven Vernino, MD, PhD, Professor, Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern Medical Center. "The Alliance wants to help patients, caregivers and physicians recognize NOH and manage symptoms by providing the information and tools they need."
As part of this education effort, patients and family caregivers will have access to a comprehensive online resource dedicated to NOH. The site, www.SignsofNOH.com, provides detailed information about the signs and symptoms of NOH. Visitors can download tools that may help them assess their current symptoms and receive tips for discussing these symptoms with their physician. The site also provides an opportunity to learn about real patients, keep up-to-date on the latest NOH-related news and plan for upcoming events through the educational e-newsletter The NOH Signpost.
"The website is a rich resource for patients with Parkinson's, MSA or pure autonomic failure who are experiencing symptoms of NOH, such as dizziness," said Vera James, Co-President of the SDS/MSA Support Group and Alliance for NOH Awareness member. "It will allow them to be more informed when speaking with their doctor and get the information they really need."
NOH may cause people with Parkinson's disease, MSA, PAF and other neurologic disorders to experience symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and/or fainting when they stand or sit up. Other symptoms may include problems with vision (blurring, seeing spots, tunnel vision, etc.), weakness, cognitive deficiencies, fatigue and head/neck discomfort.i This disorder can make it difficult for patients to get out of bed and conduct daily activities that require standing and walking.ii
About the Alliance for NOH Awareness
The mission of the Alliance for NOH Awareness is to raise awareness for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH), a condition associated with a potentially dangerous fall in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position. Through the creation of this Alliance, Chelsea Therapeutics hopes to bring together a wide variety of stakeholders with NOH expertise, including health care practitioners, patient advocates and caregivers to support those affected by NOH. For more information about the Alliance, including list of members, visit www.SignsofNOH.com.
About Chelsea Therapeutics
Chelsea Therapeutics (Nasdaq:CHTP) is a biopharmaceutical development company that acquires and develops innovative products for the treatment of a variety of human diseases, including central nervous system, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2004 around its library of unique anti-inflammatory and autoimmune technology, Chelsea has further expanded its product development portfolio with early- and late-stage candidates that leverage the company's development expertise and accelerate the company's drug commercialization efforts. For more information about the company, visit www.chelseatherapeutics.com.
iFreeman et al. Clin Auton Res 2011;21:69-72.
iiHartholt KA, et al. J Trauma. 2010 Nov 1.