Authors' objectives: Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune condition that affects the nerves and causes certain muscles to become weak. Approximately 10-15% of patients with this condition experience muscle weakness that affects their daily activities such as speaking, swallowing, chewing and breathing. Patients with myasthenia gravis can now expect to live a near normal life due to current treatments and with supportive care. Those who survive the first 3 years of disease usually improve over time. Current treatments aim to control the symptoms, improve muscle weakness and reduce complications. Eculizumab is a protein that works differently to current treatments. It blocks the immune system from attacking nerve cells. It is given as a drip straight into the vein once a week for the first month and then again as a drip every 2 weeks for up to 26 weeks. If licensed, eculizumab will offer an additional treatment option for patients with refractory myasthenia gravis.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/eculizumab-soliris-for-refractory-myasthenia-gravis/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)