Since our inception in 1952, MGFA has led the charge to support the most promising scientific endeavors—funding research, engaging young scientists and clinicians, and spearheading a comprehensive patient registry. At our national conference and international symposiums, we bring together the brightest minds in the field of myasthenia gravis and related disorders.
Research has led to significant improvements in diagnostic techniques, treatments and therapies, and improved disease management. 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.
With our grant program, we support research that will improve the lives of patients with myasthenia gravis and related neuromuscular junction disorders. The MGFA Medical & Scientific Advisory Council has identified five broad research priorities:
- Biomarkers: Facilitate early diagnosis, predict clinical outcomes, predict response to immunosuppressive therapy response, and use in clinical trials.
- Disease Mechanisms: Understand basic mechanisms of disease and how loss of self-tolerance is sustained throughout the disease course.
- Targeted Therapies: Develop new therapeutic targets, develop targeted therapies that prevent widespread immunosuppression and off-target side effects, and optimize treatment strategies with existing therapies.
- Improving Patient Outcomes: Understand the patient perspective on their disease, its impact on their daily lives, and treatment considerations that are most important to them; and understand collateral effects of MG and its treatment, such as associated medical conditions, treatment-related side effects, and financial considerations.
- Pediatric Treatment: Identify strategies, safety concerns, and long-term outcomes.