Myology research highlights
RSS feedMixed efficacy results for SRP-9001 (Elevidys), a gene therapy approved in the USA for DMD
In a press release dated 30 October 2023, Sarepta Therapeutics announced the initial efficacy results of the Embark trial, a phase III trial of Elevydis (SRP-9001), a microdystrophin gene therapy drug approved in the United States in June 2023. The trial involved 124 participants aged between 4 and 7 years (59 aged between 4 and … [Read more]
Study identifies key criteria for optimum wheelchair adjustment
A study financed by the AFM-Téléthon sought to identify the main positioning criteria guaranteeing the health and quality of life of adult wheelchair users with type 2 proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA type 2) or Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): The expert consensus study was conducted using the Delphi method, with the participation of 74 experts … [Read more]
Efgartigimod active on different muscle groups in myasthenia gravis
A post-hoc analysis of the results of the Adapt trial, which was conducted in France in 167 adults with a generalised form of autoimmune myasthenia gravis, showed that efgartigimod resulted in : an improvement, greater than on placebo, in each of the muscle sub-domains (respiratory, ocular, bulbar, limb) assessed by the MG-ADL score, observed from … [Read more]
The development of arimoclomol stops in inclusion myositis
With a prevalence of 1 in 200,000 in Europe, sporadic inclusion myositis is the most common idiopathic myositis after the age of 50. It is characterised by muscle damage, often asymmetric with amyotrophy, and begins in the quadriceps and/or finger flexors. Muscle biopsy shows two phenomena: inflammation and degeneration with accumulation of various proteins (beta-amyloid, … [Read more]
Myositis patients prefer subcutaneous Ig at home to intravenous infusions in hospital
“I have regained control of my life”. This verbatim summarises the very consensual view of a group of seven adults with polymyositis or dermatomyositis on the home administration of polyvalent immunoglobulins (Ig) subcutaneously, using an infusion pump or syringe pump. Followed at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Paris), these patients took part in a qualitative study, which … [Read more]
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis may present as progressive muscle weakness with or without episodes of periodic paralysis
A Danish team followed 37 people with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis due to CACNA1S mutations for three years (26 to 52 months): two were asymptomatic 21 had only episodes of periodic paralysis, two had isolated permanent muscle weakness, 12 had episodes of periodic weakness associated with a permanent muscle strength deficit. During follow-up : two remained … [Read more]
Oculopharyngodistal and oculopharyngeal myopathies do not have the same pattern of muscle involvement on imaging
Oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM), which is very rare, differs from oculopharyngeal myopathy (OPMD) both genetically and clinically. Japanese researchers sought to identify these differences using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): 54 patients with one of the three subtypes of OPDM and 57 patients with OPMD were included in a comparative study, OPDM patients had the same MRI … [Read more]
Three studies establish links between intestinal microbiota and myasthenia gravis
The role of intestinal flora is the subject of sustained attention in medical research, particularly in dysimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis. Various publications point to the existence of dysbiosis in this disease: The results of the German Mybiom study show, in cases of myasthenia (n=42), a lower diversity of intestinal flora than in a … [Read more]
When artificial intelligence helps analyse walking disorders
Japanese researchers have developed an algorithm based on artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse changes in gait in several pathologies: 114 patients, including 45 with neuromuscular pathologies, took part in the study, the application (TDPT-GT) was developed on the iPhone using data supplied by the camera, based on a codified and standardised movement protocol (circular walk, … [Read more]
Vamorolone (Agamree®) authorised in the USA for DMD from the age of 2; a decision expected in Europe soon
Vamorolone is a “dissociative” synthetic steroid developed by Santhera and ReveraGen for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as an anti-inflammatory treatment alternative to conventional corticosteroids. The FDA has granted marketing authorisation for Agamree® (vamorolone) in DMD patients from the age of 2 (drinkable suspension, 40 mg/ml). Four studies of vamorolone in DMD patients aged between 4 and … [Read more]
