Myasthenia Gravis – Current Treatment – Current Treatment: Physician Insights – Myasthenia Gravis (US)
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder primarily caused by autoantibodies targeting acetylcholine (ACh) receptors and therefore affecting neuromuscular synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. It is a heterogenous disease, with generalized MG characterized by the presence of autoantibodies for ACh receptors; while a subset of MG patients express other antibodies (e.g., anti-MuSK) or are seronegative. Its predominant manifestation is muscle weakness, particularly in limbs or respiratory muscles, although some patients exclusively experience ocular symptoms. Neurologists commonly treat MG symptoms with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine), corticosteroids, and/or immunosuppressants. Notably, the FDA has granted approval for five biologics in the treatment of MG: eculizumab (Alexion / AstraZeneca’s Soliris) in 2017, efgartigimod (Argenx’s Vyvgart) in 2021, ravulizumab (Alexion / AstraZeneca’s Ultomiris) in 2022, zilucoplan, and rozanolixizumab (UCB’s Zilbrysq and Rystiggo, respectively) in 2023. Understanding the multifaceted decision points that neurologists encounter when treating MG provides a valuable context for developers entering this evolving market. This report delves into neurologists’ perceptions and opinions, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current MG treatment landscape.
Questions answered
- What percentage of MG patients receive drug therapy and with what drugs / drug classes?
- How long do patients stay on a therapy? What do they switch to when they discontinue their current treatment?
- What are neurologists’ preferred drugs / drug classes in each line of therapy, and why?
- What are neurologists’ opinions of the recently approved drugs for MG? How are neurologists incorporating these drugs into the treatment landscape?
- How and why has neurologists’ prescribing changed in the past year? What changes are they anticipating in the coming year?
Content highlights
Markets covered: United States
Key companies: Alexion / AstraZeneca, Argenx, UCB
Key drugs: AChEIs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, Rystiggo, Soliris, Ultomiris, Vyvgart, Zilbrysq
Product description
Current Treatment: Physician Insights provides physician insights on treatment dynamics, prescribing behavior, and drivers of brand use so that marketers can create specific messaging around these treatment dynamics to more effectively increase or defend their market position.