THE PERSPECTIVE INDEX.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) & NPUK:

ASMD, commonly referred to as Niemann-Pick disease types A, B, and A/B, is a rare, progressive and often life-limiting lysosomal storage disorder.

It’s caused by a deficiency or absence of the enzyme acid sphingomyelinase, leading to the accumulation of sphingomyelin in vital organs including the liver, spleen, lungs and bone marrow.

Clinicians often do not suspect ASMD because symptoms vary between patients and often overlap with other conditions, e.g. Gaucher’s disease, but early diagnosis is key for supportive care to improve patients’ quality of life.

NPUK is the UK’s only charity dedicated to Niemann-Pick diseases and offers support for patients and families affected by ASMD, as well as the healthcare professionals involved in their care.

The Perspective Index:*

We had the pleasure of working with NPUK on the life changing Perspective Index* in partnership with Four Agency, who provided great support with the media.

The Perspective Index* is a tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in early identification of ASMD, which is vital for a disease like ASMD where early diagnosis can help slow disease progression and extend patient life expectancy.

“For small, rare disease charities with limited funding, like Niemann-Pick UK, creativity isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity! Working with Ami Desai, Sophie Oliver, Dan Linton, Roberto Ferrante, Grace Hoffman, Sue Aksu, and indeed the entire team at both Verve and Four on the Perspective Index tool has been a masterclass in how innovative thinking and clinical insight can come together to create something genuinely impactful!”

Head of Communications, NPUK

We developed the Perspective Index* with input from clinicians and patient groups to create a simple and engaging tool that allows healthcare professionals to select observed symptoms and receive guidance on suggested next steps, including further monitoring, referral for enzyme assays and genetic testing, and guidance on tests to benchmark disease progression.

In its initial months, our campaign:

• Reached more than 9,000 HCPs
• Generated 3 million opportunities to see
• Delivered across 6 channels and 9 tactics
• Achieved over 70 completions of the index

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of 22 medical publishing partners, who donated over £330k in media space to support NPUK.

“The Perspective Index marks a vital step forward. It offers clarity to clinicians and hope to families. Together we have created something that not only informs but truly empowers.”

Chief Executive Officer, NPUK

Finally, we’d like to thank NPUK and the PM Society for trusting us with this campaign, and Four Agency for their wonderful partnership once again. Together, we created something that shows the very best of what Verve stands for: Science, Humanised. And we hope it makes a real difference.

*Please note: This ASMD Perspective Index is not intended for diagnostic purposes.