Mycophenolate mofetil for myasthenia gravis: a clear and present controversy

Review

(2772) Views  (430) Full article downloads

Authors: Chad Heatwole, Emma Ciafaloni

Published Date November 2008 Volume 2008:4(6) Pages 1203 - 1209

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S3309

Chad Heatwole, Emma Ciafaloni

Department of Neurology, The University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA

Abstract: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been used to treat myasthenia gravis (MG) for over 10 years. MMF’s use in the MG population stems from its theoretical mechanism of action and the medical literature that supports its benefit in MG patients. Recently, two large, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials were initiated to study the effectiveness of MMF for MG. One of these studies found no benefit in taking MMF with 20 mg of prednisone as compared to taking prednisone alone, while the other study demonstrated no advantage in taking MMF against placebo during a 36-week prednisone taper. This article critically reviews the medical literature on MMF’s use in MG and suggests further research avenues on this topic.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, mycophenolate mofetil, CellCept