Your Guide to Current and Emerging Treatments for CIDP

• IVIG, corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis are current standard CIDP treatments that effectively manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
• Emerging therapies like Vyvgart Hytrulo show promise, especially for those unresponsive to traditional CIDP medications.
• No definitive cures exist. Ongoing treatment is essential for symptom control and disease remission.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder affecting 5 to 7 in every 100,000 individuals worldwide. Although it can cause significant disability, there are various CIDP treatments that can help manage symptoms.

Affected individuals who want to improve their quality of life should stay informed about new and emerging CIDP treatments.

In this guide, we will review the current standard CIDP medications prescribed for most patients. We will also explore emerging treatments and discuss whether there is a cure for CIDP.

Continue reading to see what the future holds for those diagnosed with this autoimmune condition.

Standard CIDP Treatments

Doctors currently prescribe several standard treatments for those at different stages of CIDP. These treatments have been proven effective in helping patients manage their symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the primary therapy option for CIDP. It’s not a new treatment, as it has been widely used for over two decades.

It involves infusing antibodies derived from healthy donors into the bloodstream of affected individuals to help modulate the immune response. IVIG for CIDP works by neutralizing harmful antibodies and reducing inflammation that damages the myelin sheaths, a protective coating around nerves.

The typical CIDP treatment regimen with IVIG includes:

• Infusions every 3 to 4 weeks
• Initial loading dose of 2 g/kg over 2 to 5 days
• Maintenance doses of approximately 1 g/kg as needed
• Patient improvements can be seen in as little as 2 weeks

Side Effects of IVIG Therapy

While most people generally tolerate IVIG well, some may experience side effects such as:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rarely, blood clots or kidney issues
• Allergic reactions, such as a rash or hypotension

It’s crucial to discuss the possibility of these adverse reactions with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of this proven CIDP treatment. If your allergic reactions to IVIG persist, you may consider new treatments for CIDP.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids such as prednisone are among the most established CIDP medications that help suppress the body’s immune response. They work by suppressing immune activity, reducing inflammation around nerves, and preventing further demyelination.

Studies show that 60% of patients receiving corticosteroids respond well to the treatment and even reach long-term remission. These results make corticosteroids an effective first-line therapy, especially in cases where rapid immune suppression is desired.

Corticosteroids can be administered orally daily or via monthly infusions. The initial and tapering doses will depend on each individual’s CIDP symptoms and disease severity.

Side Effects of Corticosteroids

Although corticosteroids are one of the most effective CIDP treatments, they may cause significant side effects, especially with long-term use. Patients should be aware of risks such as:

• Osteoporosis
• Cataracts or glaucoma
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased risk of infections
• Mood swings and irritability
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Increased blood sugar levels or diabetes

These potential risks highlight the need for the development of new CIDP treatments that offer a lower likelihood of adverse reactions.

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) is a procedure that involves collecting the patient’s own blood plasma, which contains harmful antibodies, and replacing it with a substitute plasma fluid. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body during an immune response.

This CIDP treatment effectively reduces circulating pathogenic antibodies that attack nerves in CIDP patients. It’s especially useful in acute or refractory cases where rapid disease control is needed.

Studies show plasmapheresis can be an effective adjuvant therapy with significant short-term benefits for CIDP patients. A typical treatment schedule for this procedure includes:

• Usually 5 – 10 sessions over 2 – 4 weeks
• Sessions are typically performed every other day or weekly
• Each session exchanges approximately 1 – 1.5 plasma volumes

Side Effects of Plasmapheresis

While generally safe like other CIDP medications, plasma exchange carries potential risks. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of this CIDP treatment include:

• Risk of infections
• Bleeding or bruising at insertion sites
• Allergic reactions to plasma substitute
• Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypocalcemia
• Hypotension or dizziness during or after sessions

As an effective treatment, plasmapheresis offers rapid symptom relief but demands careful monitoring to minimize risks. This is another reason why finding a less risky treatment to cure CIDP disease should be a priority.

New CIDP Treatments

Recent advances are revealing new options for CIDP management. Here are some of the most promising emerging treatments for CIDP.

Vyvgart Hytrulo

Vyvgart Hytrulo was approved by the FDA in 2024, specifically for CIDP in adults. This CIDP medication combines efgartigimod alfa, a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker, with hyaluronidase to enhance the drug’s absorption.

Efgartigimod alfa works by reducing pathogenic IgG autoantibodies responsible for nerve inflammation.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of this treatment. According to reports, patients taking Vyvgart Hytrulo were 61% less likely to see their symptoms worsening than those taking a placebo.

Vyvgart Hytrulo can be a promising new treatment for CIDP, especially in those who do not respond well to traditional therapies like IVIG and plasmapheresis.

Other Novel CIDP Treatments Under Investigation

Other novel ways to treat CIDP illness are emerging with new research. Here is an overview of the most promising treatments:

• Monoclonal antibodies: Rituximab and alemtuzumab show promise for B-cell mediated CIDP and refractory cases.
• Stem cell transplants: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) may reset immune responses and lead to remission in severe, treatment-resistant forms of the disease.
• Targeted immune therapies: Anti-nodal/paranodal antibodies are under investigation for more aggressive CIDP variants.

Is There a Cure for CIDP Disease?

Currently, there are no definitive cures for this illness. CIDP treatments like IVIG, plasma exchange, and corticosteroids can help manage symptoms and induce remission, but disease control requires ongoing therapy.

Manage CIDP With AmeriPharma® Specialty

Advances in understanding CIDP’s immunopathology have led to new treatments. While current therapies like corticosteroids, IVIG, and plasma exchange remain mainstays, emerging treatments like monoclonal antibodies hold promise as potential cures for CIDP disease in the future.

What’s crucial is to diagnose the disease early and receive personalized CIDP treatments. If you or a loved one is dealing with this condition, AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy can help.

Our URAC-accredited specialty pharmacy offers hard-to-find CIDP medications and at-home infusion treatments in over 40 U.S. states and territories.

Book a call with us today to speak with a patient navigator and start receiving specialty care with full-service coordination, copay assistance, and 24/7/365 support.