Biological therapies for myasthenia gravis

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2023 Mar;23(3):253-260. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2184257. Epub 2023 Feb 28.

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, treatments for myasthenia gravis (MG) have progressed significantly. Symptoms of some patients with refractory MG are not relieved by conventional therapies, and such patients might benefit from novel biological treatments that are being developed.

Areas covered: We review several novel biological therapies for MG, such as complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor inhibitors, anti-B cell drugs, and IL-6 receptor inhibitors. We also report the modes of action, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of these drugs.

Expert opinion: Several biological therapies have been developed for MG, and these biologics are promising agents for treating refractory MG. Establishing biomarkers and accumulating evidence of therapeutic response is required to provide the most appropriate biological treatment for each patient.

Keywords: IL-6 receptor inhibitor; anti-B cell drug; biological drug; complement inhibitors; neonatal Fc receptor inhibitor; refractory.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use
  • Biological Therapy
  • Complement Inactivating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Complement Inactivating Agents
  • Autoantibodies
  • Biological Factors