Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that can cause muscle weakness, fatigue and problems swallowing, issues that can make mealtimes especially difficult for patients with MG.
Households affected by MG often struggle to prepare regular, healthy meals because the disease can make cooking and eating difficult for the family member living with MG, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Those challenges can be even greater for families living in areas considered nutrition deserts or facing food insecurity, increasing the risk of poor health outcomes.
To help, UCB is partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and meal-prep company Factor Meals to ease the burden of making nutritious meals.
Known as the MGFA Food Support Program, the collaboration provides premade, packaged meals delivered directly to the homes of patients with MG. The aim is to have MG patients apply over the next month, with deliveries beginning in June. The foundation said it plans to support 250 families in 2026 and will close enrollment once that target is reached.
“If we want to support improving health outcomes, we have to address the barriers that exist outside of the healthcare setting,” said Aprill Lane, U.S. advocacy lead for rare disease at UCB, in an April 20 release.
“Our collaboration with MGFA is an example of how we can lead and partner differently by co-creating programs that support the whole person not just the diagnosis.”
UCB markets Rystiggo and Zilbrysq for certain patients with MG, generating €332 million and €217 million, respectively, in 2025 sales.