Researchers in Italy have reported three cases of myasthenia gravis (MG) they say may possibly have been caused by a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. “Clinicians should be aware of possible new-onset MG after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, especially with the current recommendation of booster doses,” the team…
The European Commission has approved Vyvgart (efgartigimod) as an add-on to standard treatment for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are positive for antibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR), the most common type of MG-driving antibody. “We share the excitement with the European gMG community in bringing a…
Sanofi has decided to pause recruitment globally in its Phase 3 clinical trials of tolebrutinib, an experimental BTK inhibitor, based on recommendations from the independent data monitoring committee (iDMC) overseeing the trials. The company has several ongoing studies investigating tolebrutinib’s effectiveness and safety, including one testing the investigational therapy…
Researchers have found that a set of cells called medullary thymic epithelial cells, or mTECs, may play a role in the development of myasthenia gravis (MG) in thymoma patients — people with thymus tumors. Changes in the function of these cells were observed in thymoma tissues collected from people…
The cancer immunotherapy Imfinzi (durvalumab) may, in rare cases, trigger myasthenic crises — a serious complication of myasthenia gravis (MG) that can lead to respiratory failure. A recent case report described how an 82-year-old woman on MG remission experienced a myasthenic crisis following treatment with Imfinzi for advanced-stage lung cancer.
A combination of glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is more effective at normalizing immune responses and easing disease symptoms in children with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) than glucocorticoids alone, a study showed. The combination also could allow for a shorter duration and lower dose of glucocorticoids, also known…
Careful administration and monitoring of anesthetic medications may prevent complications in people with subclinical myasthenia gravis (MG) undergoing surgery, a case report suggests. The findings, concerning a woman receiving surgery to remove a thymoma — a tumor of the thymus — suggest that anesthetic management of subclinical MG may…
Ultomiris (ravulizumab) has been recommended for approval in the European Union (EU) as an add-on therapy for most adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The recommendation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), an arm of the European Medicines Agency, specifically covers gMG patients who are positive…
Plasma exchange combined with intravenous, or into-the-vein, immunoglobulin (IVIG) appears to be safe, and better than plasma therapy alone at easing the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) and boosting the immunity of patients, a study suggests. These findings offer what researchers called a “reference for clinical decision-making” — particularly…
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was safe and did not particularly worsen clinical symptoms in people with myasthenia gravis (MG), a Spanish study reported. Patients developed a robust immune response after receiving the two recommended doses, despite being on immunosuppressive therapies. Additionally, no participant developed COVID-19 throughout the study. The…
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