Affinity Column for treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Purpose and goal

Development of an affinity column which can be used clinically in an extra-corporeal blood treatment of Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients for specific and efficient reduction of autoantibodies present MG patient blood plasma. Full scale affinity columns to be used for patient treatment have been produced and shows promising results concerning efficiency, specificity and sterility. Before registration and clinical application more studies on biocompatibility is required.

Expected results and effects

The affinity columns produced show good results in vitro, efficient and specific reduction of autoantibodies in MG patient plasma. The goal with this product is to be able to treat MG patients more efficiently and with a minimum of side effects compared with the existing method using plasma exchange.

Planned approach and implementation

Different antigens were produced and tested against blood plasma from MG patients. Different column prototypes based on the antigens were produced and tested. The prototypes that gave the best results showed high efficiency and specificity. Initial studies on full scale columns shows promising results, high specifity and efficiency. More studies on biocompatibility remains before clinical application.