Emerging Principles for Treating Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that affects both adults and children. Neurologic disability is relapse-driven; therefore, early diagnosis and targeted treatment are critical for effective care. We review the new MOGAD diagnostic criteria and evidence for current acute and preventative therapies.

The International MOGAD Panel has released the first clinical, laboratory, and radiographic criteria for MOGAD diagnosis. These criteria set the stage for evaluating clinical investigations and designing future randomized clinical trials. Prior retrospective studies have evaluated multiple off-label agents for the acute care or prevention of MOGAD attacks, and prospective randomized clinical trials are now underway.

Acute MOGAD attacks are generally responsive to high-dose corticosteroids; however, early use of plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin may be beneficial for severe attacks or cases lacking corticosteroid response. A slow corticosteroid taper may lower the risk of relapse. Preventative treatment has been typically limited to patients with a definitive relapsing disease. While there is no consensus on the choice or duration of treatment, multiple therapies have been retrospectively evaluated. Prospective placebo-controlled trials for interleukin-6 receptor inhibition and neonatal Fc receptor inhibition may open new frontiers for patient care.