Inebilizumab for treating myasthenia gravis

Inebilizumab is currently in clinical development for the treatment of adults with myasthenia gravis (MG). MG is a rare, long-term autoimmune disorder that leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, which can be seriously debilitating and life-threatening, affecting eye alignment, swallowing, speech, mobility, and respiratory function. These symptoms can significantly impair independence and quality of life. In extreme cases, patients can experience life threatening myasthenic crises, which can result in extreme respiratory muscle weakness necessitating mechanical ventilation and admission to intensive care facilities. MG is caused by the body’s immune system producing self-reactive antibodies (immunoglobulin G (IgG) auto-antibodies) which target antigens within the neuromuscular junction — the place where nerve cells communicate with muscle cells. Current treatments have long-term side effects, which can be intolerable for patients, and can take several months to become effective.