Highlights of the latest research on therapeutic management of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2024 annual meeting are discussed by Dr Richard Nowak of Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
Dr Nowak first discusses LUMINESCE, a phase 3, randomized, double-blind study assessing the efficacy and safety of satralizumab, a humanized interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal recycling antibody. In this trial with 188 participants, satralizumab provided a statistically relevant, though modest, improvement in the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score.
Next, Dr Nowak details part A of ADAPT NXT, comparing a fixed- cycle dosing vs every-other-week dosing of intravenous efgartigimod. The researchers found that efgartigimod was well tolerated regardless of the regimen used, offering a way to individualize treatment for patients with MG.
He then discusses the CHAMPION MG open-label extension trial, which examined the long-term efficacy and safety of ravulizumab in adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive generalized MG. The final analysis demonstrated the drug's durable efficacy through 164 weeks in this patient population.
Finally, Dr Nowak reports on a small trial using retrospective data determining the effectiveness of eculizumab treatment by start time. The study found that early eculizumab initiation in the first 2 years of diagnosis may offer greater clinical benefit compared with later initiation.
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Richard J. Nowak, MD
Director, Yale Myasthenia Gravis Clinic, Associate Professor of Neurology; Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology
Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Richard J. Nowak, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a board of directors for: Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
Serve(d) as a consultant for: Alexion; argenx; Amgen; Janssen; Cour; UCB; Immunovant
Received research grant from: National Institutes of Health; Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America; Alexion; argenx; Amgen; Janssen; Immunovant; UCB