UCB data presented at 2026 AANEM Annual Meeting and MGFA Scientific Session underscore leadership in advancing targeted treatments for gMG
- Analyses of achievement of minimal symptom expression in generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) patients receiving either ZILBRYSQ® (zilucoplan) or RYSTIGGO® (rozanolixizumab-noli) treatment: 120-week post hoc analysis of Phase 3 RAISE-XT open-label extension for zilucoplan and Phase 3 MycarinG study for rozanolixizumab and its open-label extensions1,2
- Underrecognized perspectives of people living with ocular MG and ocular symptoms of gMG: Study reports significant functional, emotional, and socioeconomic impact, and limited access to specialized and multidisciplinary care3
- Traditional socioeconomic status indicators fail to identify risks in Black gMG patients: Research found that CORE-5, a 5-item social risk screening tool, (housing, food security, transportation, utilities, and safety) may identify clinically relevant patient needs not captured by traditional indicators4
- Safety and efficacy results of cizutamig, an investigational B-cell maturation antigen x cluster of differentiation 3 (BCMA×CD3) T-cell engager: Interim results from a Phase 1b open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study in MG5*
ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB (Euronext Brussels: UCB), a global biopharmaceutical company, will present a breadth of data from its innovative myasthenia gravis portfolio at the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) Congress Annual Meeting and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Scientific Session in Orlando, Florida, September 29 to October 2, 2026. Abstracts at AANEM and MGFA will highlight real-world and clinical data demonstrating UCB's targeted treatment portfolio for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).
New data include a focus on minimal symptom expression (MSE) as an increasingly important treatment goal, the burden and persistent unmet needs of those living with ocular MG and ocular symptoms of gMG, and insights into why harmful social risks relevant to neuromuscular health outcomes may persist for black patients with gMG, despite high socioeconomic resources.1,2,3,4 In addition, early clinical data will be presented on cizutamig, an investigational BCMA×CD3 T-cell engager.5*
Highlights of key data presentations at AANEM and MGFA
Assessment of minimal symptom expression (MSE)1,2
UCB will share findings from post hoc analyses on achieving MSE in gMG including:
- Double-blind baseline Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scores in adult gMG patients stratified by MSE achievement (MG-ADL score of 0 or 1, without rescue therapy), being treated with zilucoplan up to Week 120 and time to MSE after initiating zilucoplan.1
- The proportion of patients with MSE at any time during treatment with rozanolixizumab or observation in a symptom-driven cycle up to Cycle 13, based on Cycle 1 MSE achievement.2
"People living with MG face a broad range of challenges that can profoundly affect them," said James F Howard Jr, Professor of Neurology and Medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Assessing treatment outcomes such as MSE over time helps us better understand what meaningful disease control looks like for our patients. These insights can guide treatment decisions and support efforts to improve the day-to-day lives of people living with MG."
Significant functional, emotional, and socioeconomic impacts of ocular myasthenia gravis (oMG), exacerbated by limited access to specialized and multidisciplinary care3
Mixed-methods study included an online questionnaire assessing symptom burden, diagnostic journey, and expectations regarding trial participation, and a semi-structured focus group with 10 MG/oMG patient experts representing recognized patient organizations from 10 countries.
- Study found that ocular MG imposes a substantial and multifaceted burden that affects independence, daily functioning, and emotional wellbeing.
- Visual symptoms impaired driving, digital device use, and work productivity, leading to loss of independence, social isolation, and safety risks at home, including during childcare and cooking.
- Patients strongly favored steroid-sparing therapies, improved symptom control, and prevention of progression to generalized MG.
- Incorporation of patient perspectives can help to better align clinical management and research priorities.
CORE-5 screening identified clinically meaningful risks not captured by traditional socioeconomic status (SES) indicators for black patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG)4
207 participants with gMG completed a 70-item survey, with 16 participants selected for 1:1 semi-structured interviews:
- The study sample exceeded national averages relative to educational attainment, income, and health insurance for black adults residing in the United States.
- Despite being highly resourced across traditional domains used to measure social determinants of health, mean CORE-5 (housing, food security, transportation, utilities, and safety) scores indicated unmet social risks, with safety concerns emerging as the most prominent domain.
- Incorporation of CORE-5 screening during neuromuscular evaluation and management visits may support more inclusive, patient-centered care and justify higher-level billing codes.
"Within the diverse MG community, there may be patient groups whose unique experiences and challenges have not always been fully understood," said Donatello Crocetta, Global Head of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at UCB. "By continuing to generate meaningful data and insights, we can address these knowledge gaps and advance our understanding of MG, ensuring that progress in research and care benefits the broadest possible range of people and supports a more informed and inclusive approach to treatment."
Cizutamig* – an investigational BCMA×CD3 T-cell engager (TCE)
Interim data from a Phase 1b dose-escalation and dose-expansion study of cizutamig, an investigational BCMA×CD3 T-cell engager, will be presented. Cizutamig is designed to reduce autoantibodies by depleting B cells, plasma cells, and plasmablasts, while aiming to minimize cytokine release syndrome (CRS).5 Cizutamig was acquired by UCB through its acquisition of Candid Therapeutics.6
*The safety and efficacy of cizutamig have not been established, and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or by any health authority.
Industry Therapeutic Update
In addition to its scientific presentations, UCB will host an Industry Therapeutic Update (ITU) session and hold two presentation stages on advancing understanding of treatment considerations in generalized myasthenia gravis.
For further information, contact UCB:
Corporate Communications, Media Relations
Laurent Schots
T: +3225599264
Email: laurent.schots@ucb.com
U.S. Communications
Becky Malone
T: +19196059600
Email: becky.malone@ucb.com
Investor Relations
Yvonne Naughton
T: +441753447521
Email: yvonne.naughton@ucb.com
Sahar Yazdian
T: +3225599137
Email: sahar.yazdian@ucb.com
About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 9000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €7.7 billion in 2025. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).
Forward-looking statements
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Given these uncertainties, the public is cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this document, and do not reflect any potential impacts from the evolving event or risk as mentioned above as well as any other adversity, unless indicated otherwise. The company continues to follow the development diligently to assess the financial significance of these events, as the case may be, to UCB.
UCB expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this document, either to confirm the actual results or to report or reflect any change in its forward-looking statements with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless such statement is required pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
Important Safety Information about RYSTIGGO® (rozanolixizumab-noli) in the US7
INDICATION
RYSTIGGO (rozanolixizumab-noli) is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Infections: RYSTIGGO may increase the risk of infection. Delay RYSTIGGO administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved. During treatment with RYSTIGGO, monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infection. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding RYSTIGGO until the infection has resolved.
Immunization
Immunization with vaccines during RYSTIGGO treatment has not been studied. The safety of immunization with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because RYSTIGGO causes a reduction in IgG levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with RYSTIGGO. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of a new treatment cycle with RYSTIGGO.
Aseptic Meningitis: Serious adverse reactions of aseptic meningitis (also called drug-induced aseptic meningitis) have been reported in patients treated with RYSTIGGO. If symptoms consistent with aseptic meningitis develop, diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to the standard of care.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and rash, were observed in patients treated with RYSTIGGO. Management of hypersensitivity reactions depends on the type and severity of the reaction. Monitor patients during treatment with RYSTIGGO and for 15 minutes after for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions. If a reaction occurs, institute appropriate measures if needed.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
In a placebo-controlled study, the most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 10% of RYSTIGGO-treated patients) were headache, infections, diarrhea, pyrexia, hypersensitivity reactions, and nausea. Serious infections were reported in 4% of patients treated with RYSTIGGO. Three fatal cases of pneumonia were identified, caused by COVID-19 infection in two patients and an unknown pathogen in one patient. Six cases of infections led to discontinuation of RYSTIGGO.
The full Prescribing Information is available at https://www.ucb-usa.com/RYSTIGGO-prescribing-information.pdf
Important Safety Information about ZILBRYSQ® (zilucoplan) in the U.S.8
INDICATION: ZILBRYSQ is a prescription medicine used to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INCLUDING BOXED WARNING
WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS
ZILBRYSQ, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early.
Complete or update vaccination for meningococcal bacteria at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ZILBRYSQ, unless the risks of delaying therapy outweigh the risk of developing a serious infection. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccination against meningococcal bacteria in patients receiving a complement inhibitor.
Patients receiving ZILBRYSQ are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.
ZILBRYSQ is available only through a restricted program called ZILBRYSQ REMS.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ZILBRYSQ is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Other Infections
Use caution when administering ZILBRYSQ to patients with any other systemic infection.
Pancreatitis And Other Pancreatic Conditions
Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts have been reported in patients treated with ZILBRYSQ. Discontinue ZILBRYSQ in patients with suspected pancreatitis and initiate appropriate management until pancreatitis is ruled out or has resolved.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
References:
- Howard J, et al. Achievement of minimal symptom expression in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis receiving zilucoplan: A 120-week post hoc analysis of RAISE-XT. Presented at: AANEM Annual Meeting (Presentation #289) and MGFA Scientific Session (Poster #90); 29 September – 2 October 2026; Orlando, FL.
- Pascuzzi R, et al. Minimal symptom expression in myasthenia gravis: A post hoc analysis of Phase 3 rozanolixizumab studies. Presented at: AANEM Annual Meeting (Presentation #386) and MGFA Scientific Session (Poster #94); 29 September – 2 October 2026; Orlando, FL.
- Kole A, et al. Living with ocular symptoms of myasthenia gravis: Patient insights. Presented at: AANEM Annual Meeting (Presentation #322); 29 September – 2 October 2026; Orlando, FL.
- Thompson J, et al. Beyond income, education, and insurance coverage: The utility of CORE-5 social risk screening in neuromuscular practice for black patients with generalized myasthenia gravis. Presented at: AANEM Annual Meeting (Presentation #269); 29 September – 2 October 2026; Orlando, FL.
- Zhao C, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Cizutamig, a B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)×CD3 T-Cell Engager, in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Interim Data from a Phase 1b Dose-Escalation Study. Presented at: AANEM Annual Meeting (Presentation #39); 29 September – 2 October 2026; Orlando, FL.
- UCB. UCB completes acquisition of Candid Therapeutics, strengthening next generation immunology pipeline. https://www.ucb.com/newsroom/press-releases/article/ucb-completes-acquisition-of-candid-therapeutics-strengthening-next-generation-immunology-pipeline. Accessed September 2026.
- Rystiggo® US PI. https://www.ucb-usa.com/RYSTIGGO-prescribing-information.pdf. Accessed September 2026.
- Zilbrysq® US PI. https://www.ucb-usa.com/zilbrysq-prescribing-information.pdf. Accessed September 2026.
ZILBRYSQ® and RYSTIGGO® are a registered trademarks of the UCB Group of Companies.
©2026 UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080. All rights reserved.
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