A New Era in Myasthenia Gravis Therapy: Practical Updates for Pharmacists

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that leads to fatigable muscle weakness associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. Due to the impact on motor function, myasthenia gravis negatively impacts performance of activities of daily living as well as psychological, social, and financial health. Despite their benefits, conventional therapies have efficacy and safety limitations that require careful consideration for the individual patient. New therapies, including FcRn antagonists and complement inhibitors, provide targeted treatment for myasthenia gravis, representing a breakthrough in care. This educational activity will present an overview of myasthenia gravis, highlight the efficacy and safety of newer therapies, and discuss the pharmacist’s role in the treatment of this disease. Real-world case examples of best practices in multidisciplinary, patient-centered management of myasthenia gravis will be shared to equip pharmacists to provide exemplary care and improve patient outcomes.

Monday, Dec. 7
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET

Symposium Location: W109 A, Level 1, Orange County Convention Center, West Building

Come early! Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can't make it to Orlando? Tune into the Free Live Webinar Broadcast.
Registration is required for the webinar.

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Speakers

Andrew J. Webb, PharmD, BCCCP, Activity Chair
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Neurocritical Care
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

Andrew J. Webb is a neurocritical care clinical pharmacy specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate studies and Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island and then completed his PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency at Mayo Clinic followed by a PGY-2 residency in critical care at Oregon Health & Science University. He serves on several interprofessional institutional and professional organization committees, including the MGH Department of Neurology Quality and Patient Safety committee where he has helped implement medication safety initiatives to ensure safe medication practices for patients with rare neurologic conditions including myasthenia gravis. Dr. Webb has also served as part of the Pharmacotherapy Specialty Recertification Literature Study and is an expert faculty member in Critical Care for ASHP.

Ayushi Chugh, MD, FAAN
Clinical Associate Professor, Neurology, Neuromuscular Medicine – Barrow Neurological Institute
Clinical Associate Professor – Creighton University School of Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor – University of Arizona College of Medicine
Phoenix, Arizona

Ayushi Chugh is a neurologist in the Gregory W. Fulton ALS & Neuromuscular Disease Center at Barrow Neurological Institute and Associate Professor of Neurology in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds academic appointments at Creighton University School of Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix. After earning her medical degree in India, Dr. Chugh completed her neurology residency at Westchester Medical Center. She subsequently completed a fellowship in neuromuscular medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery at New-York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dual board certified in neurology and neuromuscular medicine, she serves as Vice Chair of the American Academy of Neurology Spine Section and has been invited to platforms such as Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Target Audience

This activity was planned to meet the educational needs of pharmacists who practice in hospitals, health systems, specialty pharmacies, ambulatory infusion centers, and managed care organizations who care for or are interested in the care of patients with myasthenia gravis.

Learning Objectives

Describe the pathophysiology, classification, and burden of illness of myasthenia gravis.
Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action, pharmacology, efficacy, and places in therapy of new treatments for myasthenia gravis.
Analyze safety considerations and complications associated with use of newer treatments for myasthenia gravis.
Design a comprehensive treatment plan for myasthenia gravis management based on patient- and drug-specific factors including drug selection and access, monitoring, and counseling.

Agenda

11:30 a.m. – Welcome and Introductions
Andrew J. Webb
11:35 a.m. – Setting the Stage: Pathophysiology, Classifications, and Burden of Disease
Ayushi Chugh
11:50 a.m. – Identifying the Actors: Treatment Options for Myasthenia Gravis
All Faculty
12:10 p.m. – Scripting the Scene: Safety and Monitoring During Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
All Faculty
12:30 p.m. – Putting the Plan into Action: Opportunities for Pharmacists to Impact Care Through Shared Decision-Making and Individualized Treatment Plans
Andrew J. Webb
12:50 p.m. – Faculty Discussion, Questions and Answers
All Faculty

Accredited for CPE

ACPE #: #: 0204-0000-26-429-L01-P
CE Credit: 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs)
Activity Type: Application-based
Activity Fee: No charge

To Claim CE for the webinar, enter the CE code announced during the activity and complete the evaluation.