The myasthenia gravis (MG) treatment rozanolixizumab-noli (Rystiggo®) will be distributed by Pantherx in the United States (US), according to a press release from the company.

“The Pantherx team is so pleased to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of our patients who suffer from devastating and debilitating diseases,” said Rob Snyder, the chief executive officer of Pantherx® Rare, in the press release. “We are happy to be able to help some individuals living with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis with the distribution of rozanolixizumab-noli.” 

Read more about MG experimental therapies

Pantherx was selected by UCB, the developers of rozanolixizumab-noli, as a limited distribution partner to provide the treatment to patients. It is a dual-accredited specialty pharmacy focusing on rare and orphan diseases and is the distributor of several orphan products.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved rozanolixizumab-noli back in June 2023 for the treatment of adult patients with generalized MG who are positive for antiacetylcholine receptor (AChR) or antimuscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies.

The drug works by targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) that regulates the levels of autoantibodies in the body. It is a humanized immunoglobulin-G4 monoclonal antibody that blocks FcRn, thereby ensuring the levels of antiAChR or antiMUSK antibodies are reduced.

It is the first and only targeted therapy approved by the FDA for both antiAChR and antiMuSK antibody-positive patients with MG. 

The autoantibodies generated in MG impair the transmission of nerve signals across synapses, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, especially in the face and neck muscles, leading to dysarthria, dysphagia, and fatigue.

Some patients with the disease may develop a myasthenic crisis, which is characterized by severe generalized weakness affecting the respiratory muscles, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. 

Reference

PANTHERx® selected by UCB as part of the limited specialty pharmacy network for RYSTIGGO®(rozanolixizumab-noli) for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). News release. PantherX; August 2, 2023.