NICE has recommended rozanolixizumab as a new treatment option for some adults living with generalised myasthenia gravis whose symptoms are not controlled by existing therapies. The decision, published in final draft guidance on 29 April 2026, marks the first treatment the organisation has recommended for people with the condition.
Generalised myasthenia gravis is a rare, long-term autoimmune disease that can cause muscle weakness and extreme tiredness, affecting breathing, speech, swallowing, eyesight and movement. Symptoms can flare up unpredictably and often lead to repeated hospital visits. NICE said the treatment could help around 800 adults in England and will be available on the NHS straight away through interim funding from the Innovative Medicines Fund.
How the treatment is expected to help patients
Rozanolixizumab, also known as Rystiggo and made by UCB Pharma, has been recommended for adults who test positive for certain antibodies called AChR or MuSK and still have poorly controlled symptoms after trying standard treatments, which can include steroids. NICE said studies show the drug can reduce symptom severity and help people manage everyday activities more easily.
According to the guidance, the treatment is given as a short course of injections under the skin and can be supported by a homecare service, allowing many people to give it to themselves at home. NICE said this approach could reduce disruption to work and family life, ease pressure on carers and improve mental wellbeing for people who find hospital treatment stressful or difficult.
A shift away from repeated hospital-based care
People whose condition is not controlled often rely on intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange, which usually requires regular hospital visits or stays. NICE said better symptom control may also allow some patients to reduce long-term steroid use, which could lower the risk of side effects.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said the recommendation marks an important step forward for people living with the condition when it remains uncontrolled on current treatment. NICE added that the decision follows agreement on an improved commercial deal between NHS England and the company, and final guidance is expected next month.
The move comes as NHS decision-makers continue to weigh up new treatments that can improve quality of life while reducing pressure on hospital services. For patients with generalised myasthenia gravis, the new guidance offers a targeted option where until now there has been no NICE-recommended treatment specifically for the condition.
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