Munich – October 30, 2026 -- A new international patient film released for HPP Awareness Day follows three people living with hypophosphatasia (HPP): Antje from Germany, Mario from Brazil and Lisa from the USA.
The three describe years of symptoms, uncertainty and a long road to diagnosis. They also show how the rare inherited disease can affect social life, family and plans for the future, and what relief the correct diagnosis brought them.
HPP stems from low activity of one enzyme
The condition is caused by inherited, reduced activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Because the enzyme plays a role in many processes in the body, HPP can appear at any age and in very different ways. Symptoms range from muscle and joint pain, fatigue and limited mobility to repeated fractures. Depending on severity, physical stamina and independence can be sharply restricted.
Look-alike symptoms delay the diagnosis
The complaints can resemble rheumatic diseases, osteoporosis or fibromyalgia. Because HPP is rare, it is also less familiar in everyday medical practice, and doctors sometimes attribute symptoms to other conditions first. Repeated blood tests showing low alkaline phosphatase activity can be an important clue and should be investigated by a physician.
Antje explains that the exhaustion is hard to communicate because it is invisible, unlike a broken leg in a cast. Michael Burkart, chairman of HPP Deutschland e. V., says sharing personal stories builds understanding and gives other patients orientation and confidence.
Alexion and HPP Deutschland have teamed up since 2020
Since 2020, Alexion and the patient organization HPP Deutschland e. V. have worked together to educate the public about the disease and bring the needs of people with HPP into focus. The new film is the centerpiece of this year's awareness activities.