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 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.