Jenny McCue, Vice President of Global Research and Clinical Development at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), discusses research highlights to be presented at the upcoming 2026 MGFA Scientific Session being held September 29th in Orlando, FL.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles. It mostly develops in adults but children can also develop this rare condition. Common symptoms include weakness of the muscles that control the eye and eyelid, facial expressions, chewing, talking, and swallowing. The condition results from a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles usually due to the presence of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. The exact reason this occurs is not known.
MGFA is a patient advocacy organization focused on driving research through funding and connecting scientists and physicians working on MG around the world. The MGFA works in funding pilot grants for early phase research, as well as foundation and fellowship grants that fund clinical and translational research. This year the organization is launching three new series of grants focused on seronegative, biomarkers, and pediatrics. Visit the MGFA website for more information on grant funding.
The MGFA Scientific Session brings together researchers, physicians, and investigators to discuss the newest science in myasthenia gravis. The MGFA Scientific Session will take place Tuesday, September 29, 2026 during the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) Annual Meeting.
This year’s session will host the most research seen at the event yet, which Ms. McCue says speaks to the growing number of the MG community as well as study areas within the disease. The session is organized around some of these areas that cover the full timeline of the MG journey.
Keynote speaker Dr. Sarah Hoffmann will start the day, then the first section of presentations will focus on biomarkers, basic science, and diagnostics. The story then transitions to the second and largest area of research, therapeutics and clinical trials. The third section will focus on seronegative MG. Then, the meeting closes out with “hot topics” of patient care, outcomes, digital health and real world evidence. Complementing the day, poster sessions will run throughout the event.
Ms. McCue highlights the importance of healthcare practitioners staying up to date with the latest research. Key areas of focus include the need to be aware of early and more accurate diagnosis, treatment that matches a more individual experience with MG, and better monitoring and access to tools.
To learn more about MG and other rare musculoskeletal conditions, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/musculoskeletal-diseases/
