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Diseases Studied

The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 20 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.

This network focuses on clinical research and does not generally support clinical care outside of research activities. To learn about other rare diseases, please visit the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), which is an NIH program that helps the public find reliable information about rare and genetic diseases. Their staff are specialists. Contact them at 1-888-205-2311 or email GARDinfo@nih.gov.

All Diseases > Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Alternative Names: Snowflake Disease

Disease Category: Myasthenia Gravis

A neuromuscular disorder caused by an autoimmune response which blocks or damages acetylcholine receptors in muscles. Affected receptors cannot properly receive nerve signals, impacting voluntary muscle contractions. Generalized muscle weakness and fatigue with prolonged activity are characteristic symptoms, which improve with rest.

Research groups studying this disease

Myasthenia Gravis
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Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

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Learn More from GARD
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Recruiting

Study personnel will perform broad outreach via social media, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions to identify subjects with MUSK myasthenia who will be willing to provide verification of laboratory diagnosis, medical and family history, and a saliva sample. Subjects will be able to contact the study personnel by website, email, phone, and mail. Once inclusion criteria are met, saliva collection kit will be mailed with a return mailer. Samples will be stored in the GW biorepository until the study is complete. Saliva will then be shipped to NIH after an appropriate material transfer agreement is approved. 

 

The Myasthenia Gravis Association works to improve the lives of those impacted by myasthenia gravis in their communities through support groups, education and awareness events, research, clinics and new patient packets.

Assists individuals affected by myasthenia gravis with programs of support, education, advocacy, and research funding.

Aims to find a cure for myasthenia gravis (MG) and closely related disorders, creating a world without MG.

Fosters the exchange of information among MG associations in Europe and ensures that people with MG have a voice in determining their priorities.