Novartis launches storytelling app for neuroendocrine tumor community
Novartis has launched its Galaxies of Hope app, a unique digital experience created to support the neuroendocrine tumor community. Galaxies of Hope engages users through the art of visual storytelling, using the actual words and voices of patients, caregivers, and physicians who are part of the NET cancer community. The digital experience is divided into three different “journey” types, one for each of these groups. Users can explore the different galaxies within the journeys to connect with the experiences of patients, caregivers, and physicians involved in the NET patient journey. Galaxies of Hope is now available to download for free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad in the United States only. The app will be available in the Google Play Store in the coming weeks.
“The Galaxies of Hope app leverages the unique words of actual NET cancer patients, caregivers, and physicians to create an interactive digital experience so that others can learn more about the emotional course of this disease,” says Michael Meo, director, global media relations, Novartis. “The visuals of stones, fuel and balloons used in the Galaxies of Hope app are metaphors for life – feelings and experiences that weigh you down, energize you, and free you to improve your life experience. Acknowledging and releasing the ‘stones’ and being buoyed up by the ‘fuel’ are important aspects of coping with this and other serious, chronic illnesses.” 
Novartis leaders believe that raising awareness of NET cancer in creative ways is important in improving understanding and management of this rare disease. Novartis collaborated with Numinous Games, an award-winning video game developer, to create Galaxies of Hope. Company executives believe it is a content-rich, poetic, and interactive digital experience which presents a new and unique way for NET cancer patients, caregivers, and physicians to learn more about the emotional course of this disease.
“At Novartis, our vision is to reimagine how we can provide new platforms for patient support,” says Ameet Mallik, executive VP and head, US Oncology at Novartis. “We believe that this app can have a real, positive impact in the NET cancer community. We hope that the creation of this virtual patient journey experience for the NET cancer community will provide support to those living with this rare disease and those who manage and care for them.”
