Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Efgartigimod shows homogeneous efficacy across sexes in AChR-Ab+ generalized myasthenia gravis.

Efgartigimod shows homogeneous efficacy across sexes in AChR-Ab+ generalized myasthenia gravis.
Photo by Ben Maffin / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider efgartigimod for AChR-Ab+ gMG, noting homogeneous efficacy across sexes in this post hoc analysis.

This post hoc, sex-specific subgroup analysis of the ADAPT Phase 3 RCT examined outcomes in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR-Ab+) generalized myasthenia gravis participants. The study included 86 females and 43 males receiving efgartigimod (10 mg/kg) infusions once weekly per cycle or placebo. The primary outcome was the proportion of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) responders during Cycle 1.

secondary outcomes included the proportion of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) responders, early MG-ADL responders, time with clinically meaningful improvements, quality of life, and pharmacodynamics. Results indicated no significant difference in the proportion of MG-ADL responders between sexes (p = 0.7014) or early MG-ADL responders (p = 1.00). Similarly, QMG responder proportions did not differ significantly (p = 0.1595). Improvements in quality-of-life assessments, rates of minimal symptom expression, and mean total immunoglobulin G reductions were greater with efgartigimod versus placebo in both females and males.

Safety data indicated efgartigimod was well tolerated with similar safety profiles across sexes; serious adverse events and discontinuations were not reported. Limitations include the post hoc nature of the analysis and scarce existing data on sex-based treatment outcomes in myasthenia gravis. While the study provides valuable insight for clinicians regarding established sex differences in disease course, the homogeneous effects observed warrant cautious interpretation.

Study Details

Study typeRct
EvidenceLevel 2
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Sex-specific differences in myasthenia gravis (MG) are widely acknowledged, yet data on sex-based outcomes of MG treatment are scarce. In accordance with Sex and Gender Equity in Research guidelines, this post hoc analysis assessed potential sex-specific differences in treatment outcomes in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR-Ab+) generalized (g)MG participants in the Phase 3 ADAPT trial (NCT03669588). METHODS: Participants received four once-weekly efgartigimod infusions (10 mg/kg) or placebo per cycle. Endpoints (primary: proportion of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) responders (Cycle 1); secondary: proportion of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) and early (Cycle 1) MG-ADL responders, and time with clinically meaningful improvements in MG-ADL score; additional: quality of life outcomes, pharmacodynamics) were assessed according to sex. RESULTS: Females were younger (mean age: 42.9 vs. 54.8 years), more likely to have undergone thymectomy (65.1% [56/86] vs. 44.2% [19/43]), and had higher baseline QMG scores (16.3 vs. 14.3) compared with males. Efgartigimod demonstrated homogeneous effects between sexes, with no significant difference in proportions of MG-ADL (p = 0.7014), early (Cycle 1) MG-ADL (p = 1.00), or QMG responders (p = 0.1595). Improvements in quality-of-life assessments, rates of minimal symptom expression, and mean total immunoglobulin G reductions (Cycle 1) were greater with efgartigimod verso placebo in females and males. Efgartigimod was well tolerated, with similar safety profiles across sexes. DISCUSSION: In ADAPT, efgartigimod-treated female and male AChR-Ab+ gMG patients had similar efficacy and safety outcomes. These data provide valuable insight for clinicians, given the established sex differences in MG disease course and treatment responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ADAPT trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03669588).
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.