News

Cancer immunotherapies that boost the immune system’s response, such as Opdivo (nivolumab), may increase risk for autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis, a case report study suggests. The findings of the case are reported in “Myasthenia Gravis Induced by Nivolumab: A Case Report,” published in the journal Cureus. Opdivo…

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) started the MG Walk Campaign six years ago to raise funds, create awareness, renew hope, and generate a broader network of community and support for those living with myasthenia gravis (MG). The MG Walks allow supporters and patients to become the driving…

The Assistance Fund recently launched a program to provide financial support to patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The Assistance Fund is a charity foundation that assists patients and their families by helping them meet the financial needs associated with treatment expenses. Currently managing more than 30 disease-specific funds, The…

A recent study by researchers from Yale University furthers understanding about why certain myasthenia gravis (MG) patients who were treated with Rituxan (rituximab) may relapse. Findings of the study, “Autoantibody-producing plasmablasts after B cell depletion identified in muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis,” were published at The Journal of Clinical…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) says it’s “disappointed and dismayed” after the House of Representatives voted 227-205 last week to repeal the Orphan Drug Tax Credit as part of a U.S. tax reform package. A similar package before the Senate Finance Committee does not repeal the credit…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) should be considered as a first-line treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients who also suffer from anxiety, depression, or insomnia disorders, a new study urges. The study, “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Psychiatric Comorbidity in a Case of Muscle-Specific Kinase–Positive Myasthenia Gravis,” appeared in the journal…

Researchers in Taiwan have found that first-degree relatives of individuals with myasthenia gravis have a higher risk of developing the disease. The risk is greater for patients’ siblings, the study found. The study, “Familial aggregation of myasthenia gravis in affected families: a population-based study,” appeared in the journal Clinical…

The Japanese Patent Office (JPO) has issued a new patent for the composition of eculizumab, marketed as Soliris by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and its pharmaceutical formulations until 2027. Alexion is currently pursuing a patent for additional indications of Soliris, including for the treatment of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody-positive generalized…

Vaccination for protection against tetanus is safe and does not aggravate any clinical or immunological features of myasthenia gravis, according to the results of a report published in the journal Vaccine. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder caused by the abnormal production of antibodies that attack one’s body. These…

Children’s National Health System no longer treats just kids. Its Rare Disease Institute, launched in April 2017, has partnered with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) to become the first of many U.S. “centers of excellence” to look after patients with rare diseases, regardless of age. The effort…