Genetics

Probing the genetics of autoimmune disease

There are many forms of autoimmune disease, but by definition they all have one thing in common—they arise when the body's immunological defenses go awry and attack our cells or trigger biochemical changes that lead to ...

Oncology & Cancer

New study supports surgery as treatment for myasthenia gravis

In a global study of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, researchers found that surgical removal of an organ called the thymus reduced patients' weakness, and their need for immunosuppressive ...

Genetics

Mapping reveals 110 multiple sclerosis risk genes

Norwegian researchers have mapped genetic variations associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and myasthenia gravis (MG), bringing science one step closer to understanding these serious autoimmune disorders.

Medications

FDA approves first-in-class treatment for myasthenia gravis

(HealthDay)—Vyvgart (efgartigimod), a neonatal Fc receptor blocker (FcRn), was approved to treat generalized myasthenia gravis in adults who test positive for the anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody, the U.S. Food ...

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Myasthenia gravis (from Greek μύς "muscle", ἀσθένεια "weakness", and Latin: gravis "serious"; abbreviated MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which weakness is caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the excitatory effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors throughout neuromuscular junctions. Myasthenia is treated medically with cholinesterase inhibitors or immunosuppressants, and, in selected cases, thymectomy. The disease incidence is 3–30 cases per million per year and rising as a result of increased awareness. MG must be distinguished from congenital myasthenic syndromes that can present similar symptoms but offer no response to immunosuppressive treatments.

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