Myology research highlights
RSS feedSignificant global disparities in access to innovative treatments for SMA
South African clinicians have compiled and analysed the difficulties in accessing innovative treatments for SMN1-related proximal spinal muscular atrophy in much of the non-Western world: their work is based on an exhaustive literature review covering the period 2014–2025, though limited to the paediatric population, innovative treatments (Spinraza, Zolgensma and Evrysdi) and their corollary, neonatal screening; … [Read more]
A combination therapy involving an antisense oligonucleotide and an HDAC6 inhibitor appears promising for SMA
Researchers in Lyon have investigated, both in vitro and in vivo, the potential therapeutic synergy between the type 6 HDAC inhibitor (givinostat), which is already used to combat muscle atrophy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and nusinersen, which is already marketed for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): in the SMA cell models used (SMA … [Read more]
TK2 deficiency: from the treatment of early-stage forms to the first benefits in late-stage forms
On 31 March 2026, the European Commission granted a marketing authorisation (MA) under exceptional circumstances for Kygevvi (doxecitine and doxribtimine) for the treatment of mitochondrial myopathies with thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency, following the favourable opinion issued by the CHMP (EMA) in January 2026. On 21 May 2026, the HAS granted early access authorisation following … [Read more]
Towards a consensus-based integration of innovative therapies for myasthenia gravis?
A group of European specialists in autoimmune myasthenia gravis set out to reach a consensus on the inclusion of new molecules (such as neonatal Fc receptor complement inhibitors, etc.) within the therapeutic arsenal for the disease: the first step involved drafting the terms of a survey aimed at a wider group of experts; this preliminary … [Read more]
The benefits of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
German clinicians have investigated the benefits of the ketogenic diet (very high in fat and low in carbohydrates) in autoimmune myasthenia gravis, following on from other trials – some of which were successful – in other autoimmune diseases: 41 adults with autoimmune myasthenia gravis took part in a randomised controlled trial, with two separate groups … [Read more]
In myasthenia gravis, complement inhibitors increase life expectancy… and cardiovascular risk!
Two German researchers investigated the benefits and potential complications – particularly cardiovascular ones – of a new class of drugs used to treat refractory forms of autoimmune myasthenia gravis: 1,094 patients with myasthenia gravis treated with C5 inhibitors were compared with an untreated control group of the same size (1,094), within the treated group, a … [Read more]
Europe is extending access to gene therapy for SMA in children over the age of two
The European Commission has just authorised the marketing of Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) for the treatment of SMN1-related proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in patients aged two years and over. This is the first gene therapy authorised in the European Union for patients with SMA aged over two years, including adolescents and adults, administered as a … [Read more]
Anti-FAP CAR-T cells to reduce cardiac fibrosis in DMD
Although correcting the genetic abnormality remains the cornerstone of treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the fibrosis associated with the disease may limit its effectiveness. A team of researchers, notably from France, injected CAR-T cells targeting FAP (Fibroblast Activation Protein) – a protein highly expressed by active fibroblasts – into mouse models of cardiac dystrophy … [Read more]
An international consensus on the diagnosis and management of MELAS myopathy
A group of international experts has drawn up recommendations to standardise the diagnosis and management of MELAS myopathy and associated stroke-like episodes (SLEs). Consensus was reached on several statements (using the Delphi method), notably: this myopathy is defined by the occurrence of at least one SLE, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction caused by a mutation in … [Read more]
Results of the cemdisiran trial in myasthenia gravis have been published
In 13 countries, including France, the Phase III Nimble trial evaluated cemdisiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting complement component 5, administered subcutaneously, in patients with generalised myasthenia gravis with anti-RACh and/or anti-LRP4 antibodies: 263 adults were treated for 24 weeks with cemdisiran alone (600 mg every 12 weeks), cemdisiran (200 mg every 4 weeks) … [Read more]
