Myasthenia Gravis Research | MGFA
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Research

Since our inception in 1952, we have led the charge to support the most promising scientific endeavors—funding research, engaging young scientists and clinicians, and spearheading a comprehensive patient registry. Research has led to significant improvements in diagnostic techniques, treatments and therapies, and improved disease management.

 

Understanding myasthenia gravis (MG), its causes, treatments, and prognoses, is possible through ongoing research. This is an extraordinary time in the MG Community for progress and momentum against myasthenia. There are many new scientific discoveries that could lead to better treatments and a cure for MG.

 

In addition, new treatments and medicines are coming online soon, and other treatment technology is evolving and improving. People with MG have every reason to be hopeful - new treatment choices will become a reality in the next few years.

 

MGFA Research Initiatives

MGFA is dedicated to driving research to better understand, treat and cure myasthenia gravis for good. Click on the arrow to read Our Strategy:

  • Fund high-impact research with promising treatment pathways.
  • Provide post-doctoral fellowships to bring the best and brightest to the field of MG.
  • Foster collaboration and innovation through national and international conferences.
  • Advocate for critical research funding.
  • Advance understanding through the MG Patient Registry and clinical trials.

Research Agenda

Our Medical Advisory Board (MAC) advises our MGFA staff and the Board of Directors on the most important research pathways to pursue.  Our Research Agenda, reviewed annually and assessed regularly, reflects these priorities. View our research agenda by clicking on the arrow:

  • We support research that will improve the lives of patients with myasthenia gravis and related neuromuscular junction disorders. The committee has identified five broad research priorities:
  • Biomarkers: facilitate early diagnosis, predict clinical outcomes and immunosuppressive therapy response and utilize in clinical trials  
  • Disease Mechanisms: understand basic mechanisms and self-tolerance loss throughout course of disease
  • Targeted Therapies: develop new therapeutic targets, prevent widespread immunosuppression and off-target side effects, optimize treatment strategies with existing therapies
  • Patient Outcomes: understand the full impact of disease on daily living and patient treatment priorities, understand collateral effects of disease; related medical conditions, side effects and financial impact
  • Pediatric Treatment: identify strategies, safety concerns, and long-term outcomes

 

The Research Agenda intends to guide researchers towards areas of importance to our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. However, please do note that we will accept proposals outside of this scope to support promising science and innovation in the field of MG.

 

MG Research Studies and Trials

There are a number of active research studies, clinical studies, and campaigns that involve MG patients and top experts. We are always looking for new participants for these studies.

 

MG Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a research program conducted with patients to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug or device. The purpose of a clinical trial is to find new and improved methods for screening, preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases. MGFA is dedicated to driving research to better understand, treat and cure myasthenia gravis for good. To achieve this goal, we are committed to creating awareness about clinical trials for those with myasthenia gravis and related neuromuscular joint disorders. Review this list of MG only clinical trials that are actively recruiting for patients.

 

 

Hot Research News

MGFA tracks new information, discoveries, and news coverage about trials, campaigns, or other types of research and rare disease efforts. Check out the latest coverage and research opportunities.


COVID-19 Associated Risks and Effects in Myasthenia Gravis (CARE-MG)

CARE-MG, a physician-reported registry, is a joint effort of the International MG/COVID-19 Working Group and neurologists from across the globe to capture outcomes of people with MG who have developed COVID-19 infections formally launched on 09 April 2020. Robust international participation and collaboration is critical to our collective success in answering fundamental questions about how COVID-19 impacts MG patients. We hope to capture outcomes in all types of myasthenia gravis (AChR, MuSK, LRP4, Seronegative) irrespective of current treatment status who have confirmed of suspected COVID-19 infection. This is only for physicians, but feel free to tell your doctors and MG specialists about this study so they can submit data. Learn more.

 

Research Grants

We support research that will improve the lives of patients with myasthenia gravis and related neuromuscular junction disorders. We have identified five broad research priorities: 1) Biomarkers; 2) Disease Mechanisms; 3) Targeted Therapies; 4) Patient Outcomes; and 5) Pediatric Treatment. Read more about research grant funding.

 

Fatality for MG used to be between 30 to 40%. Today, death from MG is rare—but still happens. Despite advances, today’s treatment options still come with significant side effects, and only partially address life-altering symptoms of MG. Some people with MG do not respond to any of the treatment options currently available. Our charge is clear; more work in this area is necessary to better understand MG, expand treatment options, and ultimately, find a cure.

A World Without MG