Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular condition that causes weakening of the body’s skeletal muscles. It’s a rare disorder and there is no cure at this time, but research continues and there is hope for the future.

Today, the medical community understands that MG is an autoimmune disorder affecting acetylcholine, which is instrumental in conducting “messages” from neurotransmitters to muscle groups. What they don’t know is exactly what causes it.

One theory is MG is caused by a bacterial or viral infection that “trips the body’s circuits” and sends an army of antibodies out to attack what the body is perceiving as a foreign invader.

Symptoms vary from person-to-person, but facial paralysis is fairly common; and usually causes only one side of the face to droop. Other people with MG may have trouble lifting their legs, which hinders walking, and in the most severe cases, respiration is compromised. Onset of the disease generally occurs after the age of 40 in women, and after the age of 60 in men.

The Myastenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) has sponsored several clinical trials, and the REGAIN Study of  the drug eculizumab study just completed Phase 3, meaning the  drug has passed the clinical criteria as an effective and safe treatment in the first two phases of the trial. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the MGFA released a joint statement that revealed their findings. The trial will now proceed to the open-label phase.

This is very heartening news for the MG community because there have been very few treatment options available over the years. Along with eculizumab, there are also other drugs in the phama pipeline.

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