2025 MGFA Scientific Session recordings now available
December 2, 2025
On October 29, the MGFA hosted its annual Scientific Session at the AANEM Annual Meeting. This gathering brings together researchers, neurologists, early career investigators, and other physicians to discuss the newest “bite-sized science” driving us toward a world without myasthenia gravis.
Researchers, scientists, clinicians, and other MG Community members with an interest in the latest MG science can now view presentations from the event. Find all sessions on this YouTube playlist.
MGFA Grant-Funded Research Published in Brain and Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS)
November 11, 2025
Researchers at Yale University have published two important scientific papers this October. Their work, funded in part by the MGFA, explores the role of antibodies and autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis.
A study published in Brain offers new insights into MuSK myasthenia gravis.
This study, led by Dr. Gianvito Masi in Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s lab, shows that another antibody class, IgA, may play a role in the disease. IgA antibodies are usually found at mucosal sites, such as in the gut and lungs, where they help protect against infections. Researchers discovered that a subgroup of patients with MuSK MG also carries IgA autoantibodies targeting MuSK.
A study published in PNAS uncovered a new role for IgM autoantibodies in MG.
In MG, the body’s immune system makes autoantibodies that interfere with the signals between nerves and muscles, leading to weakness. Most often, these harmful autoantibodies belong to the IgG class, but their new research has shown that in some people, another type, called IgM, can also play a major role.
Read more about these two studies via the link below.
Read MoreMGFA Honors British Neurologist With First Lifetime Award for Groundbreaking MG Research
Rare Disease Advisor
July 10, 2025
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Angela Vincent, MBBS, is one of the world’s most recognized experts in myasthenia gravis (MG). But she might never have achieved that status had she remained at her initial London, England hospital job, performing appendectomies and delivering babies.
Earlier this year, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) awarded the British scientist its first Lifetime Achievement Award during the 15th International Conference on Myasthenia and Related Disorders here.
“Angela has been a fixture at the front of myasthenia gravis research for 50 years,” said Kevin O’Connor, PhD, the foundation’s chief scientific advisor, in presenting the award. “She became a well-respected scientist when there were very few women in [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)]. Her work is broad and has been published in the world’s top journals. Her work is lasting and durable, and her research stands the test of time.”
Patients at MGFA Conference Offer Insights on Living With Myasthenia Gravis
Rare Disease Advisor
May 13, 2025
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Four women from four European countries shared what it’s like to live with myasthenia gravis (MG), during a session at Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)’s first-ever gathering outside the US.
The MGFA 15th International Conference on Myasthenia and Related Disorders attracted 650 clinicians, researchers and patient advocates from 44 countries to this Dutch city.
Standing with the Rare Disease Community: MGFA Supports Newborn Screening Advocacy
MGFA Statement
May 7, 2025
MGFA recently signed a letter led by the National Organization for Rare Disorders urging the federal government to reinstate the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. The termination of this advisory body could have long-term consequences for families affected by rare diseases, especially those with heritable or early onset conditions.
While most cases of myasthenia gravis are not detected at birth, congenital myasthenic syndromes, a group of rare, hereditary disorders of the neuromuscular junction, can appear in infancy and are part of the broader rare neuromuscular disease landscape. Supporting this letter reflects the MGFA’s commitment to:
- Early detection and intervention for rare diseases.
- Protecting federal infrastructure that benefits our entire community.
- Standing in solidarity with other patient organizations fighting for recognition, resources, and better health outcomes.
We believe that every baby born with a treatable rare condition or disease deserves a chance at early diagnosis and care. Diagnosing diseases, even when a cure is not available, is crucial to understanding disease, guiding research efforts to eventually find cures. Preserving and strengthening our nation’s newborn screening system is a vital part of supporting healthcare needs today and for future generations.
Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to advocate with us.
FDA Approves FcRn Blocker Nipocalimab for Broad Forms of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
Neurology Live
April 30, 2025
MGFA leadership shared thoughts on the recent FDA approval of another treatment option for myasthenia gravis.
“We consistently hear from individuals living with myasthenia gravis who are hopeful for new treatment options that may help bring greater stability, independence, and predictability to their lives,” Samantha Masterson, president and chief executive officer at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, said. “Today’s announcement provides another option which could help address the constant uncertainty and heavy physical and mental toll that MG symptom relapse presents to patients and their families.”
MGFA Funds Research that Reveals Mechanisms That Cause AChR Myasthenia Gravis
April 8, 2025
Groundbreaking research funded in part by an MGFA grant was published in Cell on April 8. In the study, “Autoimmune mechanisms elucidated through muscle acetylcholine receptor structures,” researchers analyzed the autoantibodies of six different myasthenia gravis patients. They discovered that these antibodies can disrupt the normal receptor functioning in a variety of ways.
Read more about this important study on the University of California – San Diego’s website.
MGFA patient conference highlights wellness education, science
Myasthenia Gravis News
April 1, 2025
More than 500 members of the myasthenia gravis (MG) community are expected at this year’s MGFA National Patient Conference, featuring strategies for patient education, advances in science and treatment, and discussions on managing MG.
“Our program this year includes a truly compelling mix of new treatment updates, strategies for improving quality of life, and helpful methods of advocating for patient needs,” President and CEO Samantha Masterson said. “We are so proud to host this extremely impactful event every year.”
MGFA’s Continued Support of MG Research
February 13, 2025
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) is closely monitoring executive actions regarding federal research funding and will keep the MG community updated on any developments affecting ongoing or future research efforts. Investigators nationwide have expressed growing uncertainty and concern about funding stability. Despite these challenges, the MGFA remains committed to supporting the research community and their groundbreaking work in understanding and treating MG.
Academic research is crucial for driving breakthroughs that improve the lives of those with MG. Advancing and funding research is essential for uncovering the causes of MG and developing new treatments to alleviate its debilitating symptoms. While the MGFA and other organizations provide research grants, federal institutions remain the primary funders of independent academic laboratories conducting MG research.
MGFA reaffirms its deep commitment to supporting and advocating for research funding to drive innovation and improve outcomes for individuals living with MG. This commitment is an integral part of the MGFA’s ongoing mission to enhance the lives of those affected by this challenging condition.
6 ways J&J is ushering in a new era of innovation in immunology
STAT Sponsored Insight
January 2025
STAT Brand Studio chatted with Kevin Hamill, president of U.S. Immunology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, to discuss six ways the company is ushering in a new era in immunology. Hamill shares how the company collaborated with the MGFA to create You, Me and MG, an online community aimed at building connectivity, conversation, and support around living with this rare disease.
MGFA and Bionews Partner to Deliver Myasthenia Gravis News to Wider MG Community
MGFA News Release
January 9, 2025
Myasthenia Gravis News, delivered by Bionews, is an online news source intended to provide the myasthenia gravis (MG) community with the most recent news and information about MG, as well as first-hand community perspectives from patient and caregiver columnists. This news feed features timely articles focused on a number of topics, including new MG research, patient and caregiver stories, new treatments and study outcomes, general MG management information, and helpful tips from across the MG community.
MGFA understands the value of this timely information to individuals living with MG, so we have partnered with Bionews to feature the Myasthenia Gravis News feed on the MGFA website. Now, visitors to myasthenia.org have direct access to the information and news stories delivered by Bionews.
Learn more and access the news feed
MGFA Awards Grant to Explore Immunopathology of Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis
MGFA News Release
January 7, 2025
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Nancy Law Impact Award: Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor, a professor of neurology and immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. This prestigious award includes a $300,000 grant to support Dr. O’Connor’s research project.
Dr. O’Connor’s project is designed to better understand the abnormal immune system functions contributing to seronegative myasthenia gravis.
Many individuals diagnosed with MG have specific autoantibodies in their blood known to disrupt communication between nerves and muscles. Seronegative MG is a subset of the disease in which no known autoantibodies are detected that could account for disease symptoms.
As Dr. O’Connor highlighted in his proposal, those living with seronegative MG often face greater challenges in accessing treatments and medical care. Gaining deeper insight into the immune system abnormalities underlying seronegative MG is essential for the development and approval of new therapies.
Through our grant program, the MGFA funds promising research to discover potential new treatments and ways to improve quality of life for those with MG. In 2024, the MGFA dedicated more than $1 million to research.
Learn more about Dr. O’Connor and his research
MGFA Awards $330,000 in Research Grant Funding
MGFA News Release
September 6, 2024
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America is pleased to announce our latest grant recipients. Three researchers were selected for the 2024 MGFA High Impact Pilot Project Award. Their work represents an exciting step forward in our understanding of myasthenia gravis.
Learn more about the recipients and their research
Marking MG Awareness Month, Foundation Sees ‘Tremendous’ Progress in New Therapies
Rare Disease Advisor
June 10, 2024
Christy Collins and Kathi Timothy were among 400 people who attended MGFA’s recent 2024 conference in nearby Tampa; another 500 or so tuned in online.
Samantha Masterson, the foundation’s CEO, said she’s seen “tremendous” progress in treatments for MG, with 4 new therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the past 3 years.
“Now there are 7 FDA-approved therapies for the disease,” she said. “Myasthenia gravis is leading the rare disease space with discoveries. It’s a very exciting time, especially with translational research.”
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Kicks off Annual National MG Patient Conference With Program Announcements
MGFA News Release
April 27, 2024
More than 400 members of the myasthenia gravis (MG) rare disease community will come together this week at the MGFA National Patient Conference for support and a better understanding of how to manage their disease while learning about the latest in treatments and clinical studies. MGFA is making a series of announcements at the event while highlighting new information and programs to help individuals living with MG.
MGFA Medical and Scientific Advisors’ Statement on Recent New Candidate Biomarker Research Report
MGFA Statement
February 8, 2024
You may have read recently that a University of Alberta research team announced that it may have identified a candidate universal biomarker (fibrinogen – a key component of blood clotting) for myasthenia gravis (MG). In newly published research, the team reports that it used advanced proteomics techniques to identify this candidate biomarker that can be detected with a blood test to provide an MG diagnosis.
The medical and scientific advisors at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) have evaluated this report and agree that the findings are intriguing and may have considerable impact in both MG research and clinical care. That said, as with all new scientific discoveries, independent validation will be required to confirm the findings. We look forward to additional research in this area to understand the possible role and utility of fibrinogen in MG. Biomarker research remains a critical priority in the field of autoimmune MG.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Announces Official Start of MG Awareness Month Around the World
MGFA News Release
June 1, 2023
Global myasthenia gravis community taking action in June to spread awareness about rare disease and highlight
debilitating challenges experienced by patients. The MG Community around the world is turning Awareness into Action in June to educate everyone about the challenges of the rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis (MG).
Nowak Receives Impact Award from the MGFA
Yale School of Medicine Website
April 12, 2023
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) has awarded its Impact Award to Richard Nowak, MD for his exceptional leadership, collaboration, innovation, and dedication to advancing the mission of the MGFA. Dr. Nowak was formally recognized at the 2023 MGFA National Patient Conference in New Orleans, La.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Announces Alliance with Patients Rising to Offer MG Patient Advocacy and Support Services
MGFA News Release
February 27, 2023
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America is aligning with Patients Rising, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit that provides education, resources, and advocacy for people living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Patients living with myasthenia gravis (MG) will benefit from The Patient Helpline for support services as well as educational patient advocacy and legislative training.
Using the Myasthenia Gravis Patient Registry Management for Research Studies: Paul Strumph, MD
Neurology Live
February 9, 2023
Recently, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) re-launched its MGFA Global MG Patient Registry to combat these challenges for patients. In a recent interview, Paul Strumph, MD, chief medical officer at Seraxis Pharmaceuticals, and patient with MG, sat down with NeurologyLive® to discuss the attributes of the MGFA’s patient registry from a research focused perspective. He spoke on how patients can retrieve information about research studies through the registry and it how it helps researchers identify the right patients. Strumph, lead of the MGFA Global MG Patient Registry, also talked about the registry is managed by the organization with the goal of generating research.
Significance of Relaunched Patient Registry for Myasthenia Gravis Research: Richard Nowak, MD, MS
Neurology Live
February 7, 2023
The MGFA partnered with Alira Health to re-launch its MGFA Global MG Patient Registry. The registry allows patients with MG to submit their health data in a secure portal, thus facilitating research to gain more knowledge on the disease, improve patient outcomes, and possibly explore more effective treatments for MG. Richard Nowak, MD, MS, assistant professor of neurology, Yale School of Medicine, sat down with NeurologyLive® in an interview to talk about the relaunch of MGFA’s patient registry. Nowak, who also serves as MGFA’s chief medical advisor, spoke about the implications and the significance of research with using the registry to recruit patients in clinical trials.
GW Researchers Receive $7.8 Million to Establish Rare Disease Network for Myasthenia Gravis, MGNet, supported by commitments from MGFA and Conquer MG
George Washington University website
October 2, 2019
MGFA is proud to represent the MG Community as a member of MG Net, and has committed $250,000 of funding ($50,000 for each year) to support the project. This commitment from MGFA, as well as that of Illinois-based Conquer MG, was instrumental in demonstrating the support of the MG Community for the project—an essential component of the criteria for funding established by the NIH. Press release available here.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a research team at the George Washington University (GW) $7.8 million to establish a rare disease network for myasthenia gravis. The network, which will be part of 25 established NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Networks, will include basic and clinical investigators, patient advocacy groups and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease. The team is led by former and current MGFA Medical and Scientific Advisory (MSAB) Chairs, Henry Kaminski, MD and Linda Kusner, PhD, and the steering committee members are all leaders of the MGFA MSAB as well.
The grant will fund research into the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, provide fellowships in MG for young investigators, and fund pilot grants. This funding will also ensure that the serum bank created by the MGFA’s transformative grant will continue.