CE for Pharmacists & Technicians: Emerging Therapies for the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
by Kirsten Gasser, PharmD
Abstract:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affect neuromuscular transmission and is characterized by muscle weakness. This is caused by autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins, including the acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific kinase receptor, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4. The disease may initially present with ocular symptoms but often progresses to generalized weakness affecting skeletal, bulbar, or respiratory muscles. MG can be characterized by both symptom presentation and the autoantibody target, identified through serologic testing. The types of MG can predict the severity of the disease and influence treatment decisions.
Learning Objectives:
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2025 September/October Table of Contents
Abstract:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affect neuromuscular transmission and is characterized by muscle weakness. This is caused by autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins, including the acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific kinase receptor, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4. The disease may initially present with ocular symptoms but often progresses to generalized weakness affecting skeletal, bulbar, or respiratory muscles. MG can be characterized by both symptom presentation and the autoantibody target, identified through serologic testing. The types of MG can predict the severity of the disease and influence treatment decisions.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis, including key autoantibodies.
- Recognize medications that can exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms.
- Define appropriate first-line pharmacologic treatments based on patients’ disease defining factors.
- Identify different advantages and disadvantages of the monoclonal antibodies FDA approved for myasthenia gravis.
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2025 September/October Table of Contents