Top 10 myasthenia gravis stories of 2024
The latest updates on research advances and treatment options for MG
Throughout 2024, the team at Myasthenia Gravis News has brought you the latest updates on research advances and treatment options for myasthenia gravis (MG).
We look forward to continuing to serve the MG community in the years to come. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most-read articles published on our site this past year.
No. 10 – Molecule made by gut bacteria could help combat MG
An acidic molecule made by gut bacteria might serve as a treatment for MG, according to a study led by researchers in China. Autoimmune diseases like MG are marked by reduced activity of anti-inflammatory immune cells called regulatory T-cells, or Tregs. In the study, researchers found that MG patients tend to have low numbers of gut bacteria that make butyric acid, a molecule that’s able to promote the activity of these anti-inflammatory cells. The findings suggest butyric acid or related molecules might be a viable treatment strategy for MG.
No. 9 – Blood protein ID’d as potential marker of MG severity
High levels of a molecule called macrophage migration inhibitory factor, or MIF, in the blood may be a marker of more severe MG. A study found that people with MG tend to have higher levels of MIF in their blood than those without the disorder and, among MG patients, MIF levels tended to be higher in those with more severe symptoms. The study also indicated high MIF levels are associated with an increased risk of disease relapse.
No. 8 – Bacterial enzyme shown to neutralize MG-driving antibodies
An enzyme produced by bacteria may be a treatment for MG, a preclinical study found. MG is driven by self-reactive antibodies and therapies that lower their levels and neutralize their effects are commonly used for treating the disease. Here, researchers identified a bacterial enzyme, called CU43, that is able to neutralize MG-driving antibodies. In lab models, CU43 was at least 4,000 times more potent than Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa), an approved MG treatment that targets disease-driving antibodies, at suppressing antibody-mediated immune responses.
No. 7 – Nearly half of Vyvgart-treated patients with minimal or no MG symptoms in trial
In a Phase 3 clinical trial that tested the approved MG therapy Vyvgart against a placebo, almost half the patients given the therapy had minimal or virtually no disease symptoms. By comparison, only about 1 in 10 patients given a placebo achieved the same outcome. Long-term data suggested symptom relief provided by Vyvgart was maintained over time, and data also indicated Vyvgart treatment led to improvements in life quality.
No. 6 – Herbal therapy eases MG in mouse model
Treatment with curcumin, an herbal compound that’s long been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine, was shown to reduce the severity of MG in a mouse model of the disease. Curcumin is a yellow compound best known for giving the spice turmeric its distinctive color. Here, researchers showed that it may reduce MG severity by modulating the activity of gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory activity of immune cells.
No. 5 – Fatigue tied to exacerbations, longer diagnostic delays in MG
An analysis of data from a German registry found that more than half of MG patients experienced clinically significant fatigue. Data showed that patients with more severe fatigue tended to have more severe disease. Higher fatigue severity was also linked to a longer delay in MG diagnosis and a history of exacerbations, or episodes where symptoms suddenly worsen, and/or MG crises marked by breathing issues.
No. 4 – Clotting protein could be marker of MG
Fibrinogen, a protein that’s involved in blood clotting, may be a marker of MG. A study found that MG patients tend to have high levels of fibrinogen in serum, the liquid portion of blood that’s left over when it clots. Data showed that serum fibrinogen levels were higher in people with MG than in those with rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease, or in healthy people. Increased serum fibrinogen was seen in MG patients irrespective of disease features or treatment history.
No. 3 – Woman diagnosed with MG after experiencing difficulty breathing
A 41-year-old woman who went to the emergency room due to severe breathing problems was ultimately found to have MG. Difficulty breathing is a serious complication of MG, and researchers said this case emphasized the need to consider MG as a possible cause when patients are experiencing unexplained breathing issues.
No. 2 – Cancer treatment leads to MG in 73-year-old man
An elderly man developed MG shortly after being treated with Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a medication that’s used to manage certain types of cancer. Keytruda works by ramping up the immune system to fight off cancer, but the increased immune activity may also set the stage for autoimmune diseases like MG to arise. In the report, researchers highlighted the need for prompt identification of MG related to cancer treatment and called for guidelines for this treatment complication.
No. 1 – Immune signaling molecule associated with MG severity
Higher levels of interleukin-41 (IL-41) are associated with more severe disease in people with MG, according to a study in China. IL-41 is a signaling molecule that drives inflammation and has been associated with several immune disorders. This study revealed that IL-41 levels in the blood are higher in people with MG than in people who don’t have the disease. It also indicated that MG patients who have higher IL-41 levels tend to have more severe disease, implying the molecule may be a useful biomarker in MG.
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We hope these stories and all of our reporting here at Myasthenia Gravis News have been an informative resource this year and we look forward to continue serving the MG community this year. We wish all our readers a bright new year!
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