Effectiveness and safety of telitacicept for refractory generalized myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study

Jing Lin; Yue Li; Mengcui Gui; Bitao Bu; Zhijun Li

doi:10.1177/17562864241251476

Effectiveness and safety of telitacicept for refractory generalized myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study

Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2024 May 14:17:17562864241251476. doi: 10.1177/17562864241251476. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Jing Lin¹, Yue Li¹, Mengcui Gui¹, Bitao Bu¹, Zhijun Li²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
² Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.

Abstract

Background: Refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) remains a substantial therapeutic challenge. Telitacicept, a recombinant human B-lymphocyte stimulator receptor-antibody fusion protein, holds promise for interrupting the immunopathology of this condition.

Objectives: This study retrospectively assessed the effectiveness and safety of telitacicept in patients with refractory GMG.

Design: A single-center retrospective study.

Methods: Patients with refractory GMG receiving telitacicept (160 mg/week or biweekly) from January to September in 2023 were included. We assessed effectiveness using Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post-intervention status (MGFA-PIS), myasthenia gravis treatment status and intensity (MGSTI), quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG), and MG-activity of daily living (ADL) scores, alongside reductions in prednisone dosage at 3- and 6-month intervals. Safety profiles were also evaluated.

Results: Sixteen patients with MGFA class II-V refractory GMG were included, with eight females and eight males. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months, and 11 patients reached 6 months follow-up. At the 3-month evaluation, 75% (12/16) demonstrated clinical improvement with MGFA-PIS. One patient achieved pharmacological remission, two attained minimal manifestation status, and nine showed functional improvement; three remained unchanged, and one deteriorated. By the 6-month visit, 90.1% (10/11) sustained significant symptomatic improvement. MGSTI scores and prednisone dosages significantly reduced at both follow-ups (p < 0.05). MG-ADL and QMG scores showed marked improvement at 6 months (p < 0.05). The treatment was well tolerated, with no severe adverse events such as allergy or infection reported.

Conclusion: Our exploratory investigation suggests that telitacicept is a feasible and well-tolerated add-on therapy for refractory GMG, offering valuable clinical evidence for this novel treatment option.

Keywords: B lymphocyte; B-cell activating factor; a proliferation-inducing ligand; myasthenia; refractory generalized myasthenia gravis; telitacicept.