12th International Conference on Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders

Conference website:  www.nyas.org/MG12

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, acquired autoimmune syndrome in which pathogenic auto-antibodies attack key proteins at the neuromuscular junction—most often, the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor—disrupting synaptic transmission. Often, the result is severe muscle weakness, fatigability, and disability in patients, which may be life threatening. In the last 30 – 40 years, significant advances in diagnosis and treatment of MG have reduced the burden of high mortality and severe disability, and more recently research has produced novel potential therapeutic targets, clearer definitions of MG clinical subtypes, and new clinical trials to improve treatment options. Yet, diagnosis remains problematic because of nonspecific and fluctuating symptoms, and available therapeutics primarily treat symptoms or involve global suppression of the immune system.

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and the New York Academy of Sciences present this 12th international conference to galvanize efforts among researchers studying autoimmune and neuromuscular junction disease and to encourage continued progress in the diagnosis and treatment of MG that will help to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This 3-day international conference will feature topics that span basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience and immunology related to MG and other autoimmune and neuromuscular junction disorders.

Secretariat

New York Academy of Sciences and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.