IMAGiNe Study on anti-MAG IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy expanding in the U.S.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) is pleased to announce a new partnership to further research on anti-MAG IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy. FPN will be partnering with the IMAGiNe study, a global research collaborative focusing on anti-MAG and IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy. Thanks to a donation from the Atlantic Philanthropies Director/Employee Designated Gift Fund, FPN will be supporting the expansion of the IMAGiNe program in the United States.

What is the IMAGiNe Study?

The aim of the IMAGiNe study is to gather information from patients with IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy including those with anti-MAG antibodies for future study and research. The team of researchers plan to create a standardized database and biobank of DNA. This is done by collecting data at each visit of the patient to their doctor including biospecimens. The goal is to use the information to identify and to predict disease progression and treatment response for sufferers of the disease.

What is IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy with Anti-MAG antibodies?

Anti-MAG IgM paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy caused by a rare autoimmune condition. With this type of peripheral neuropathy, a patient’s immune system attacks cells that are vital in maintaining a healthy peripheral nervous system. The patient’s own antibodies attack these cells, causing the cells to lose function. The patient then feels the impact through a loss of sensory and motor functions resulting in pain, numbness and difficulty walking. More information on this condition can be found on the FPN website.

The present and the future of the IMAGiNe study

The study is led by neurologists at UMC Maastricht (Netherlands). There is a multi-national Steering Committee that oversees the study. Current members of the multinational consortium include UMC Maastricht (Netherlands), Johns Hopkins University (USA), The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UK), Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau (Spain), Clinical Center of Serbia (Serbia), Hopital de la Salpetriere (France), Humanitas Clinical Institute (Italy) and University Padova (Italy).

FPN will be working closely with the doctors at Johns Hopkins University to expand the study in the USA to include more patients from across the country. Look for future announcements about additional sites in this exciting study.