How is satelizumab (Anshiping) used to treat myasthenia gravis?

Satralizumab (Satralizumab) is a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), developed by Roche. In August 2020, it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Regarding myasthenia gravis, there is currently no direct information on the use of satelizumab in the treatment of this disease.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies attacking the neuromuscular junction. Treatment methods usually include immunosuppressive drugs, immunomodulatory drugs, and biological agents. Some studies have shown that there is abnormal IL-6 signaling in the immune system of patients with myasthenia gravis, which may indicate that the IL-6 pathway plays a role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. Therefore, some scientists and doctors are exploring treatments that target the IL-6 pathway to treat myasthenia gravis. Although satelizumab is currently only approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and is not directly used to treat myasthenia gravis, it may provide new possibilities for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

The original drug satlizumab has been launched in China, sold under the brand name Anshiping, and is included in medical insurance. Only patients who meet the indications can be reimbursed. The specification is120mg (1ml) per box The price may be more than RMB 10,000, which is still relatively expensive; the price of each box of the original drug Saterizumab sold overseas is more than $10,000 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of the original drug sold domestically and abroad are basically the same. There are currently no generic versions of satlizumab available on the market.