Recent FDA Approval of Efgartigimod for Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 1.Challenges and Burden of Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 2.Treatment Options for Different Presentations of Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 3.Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Options for Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 4.The Importance of Shared Decision-making and Goal Setting in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 5.Eculizumab in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 6.Ravulizumab in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 7.Challenges and Opportunities With New FDA-Approved Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis

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EP: 8.Recent FDA Approval of Efgartigimod for Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 9.Zilucoplan and Other Pipeline Agents in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

EP: 10.Gaps in Care in Myasthenia Gravis and Take-Home Points

Ericka Wong, MD: Efgartigimod, which is a neonatal Fc receptor inhibitor, has been approved for acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis by the FDA in December of 2021. The neonatal Fc receptor is a protein that helps to maintain IgG [immunoglobulin G] levels by prolonging its half-life. By binding to the Fc region, the neonatal Fc receptor rescues IgG from lysosomal degradation. By blocking this receptor, efgartigimod prevents IgG recycling, and that leads to decreased circulating IgG levels. In the ADAPT trial, efgartigimod did have 20% of patients who were either MuSK [muscle-specific tyrosine kinase] or antibody negative, and there was suggestion that efgartigimod may be effective in these patients, although this does have to be further studied.

Trancsript Edited for Clarity