For patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), switching maintenance therapy has historically required waiting for clinical deterioration — but new phase 4 data suggest that may no longer be necessary. Presented at the 2026 AANEM Annual Meeting, the study enrolled 23 adults on stable IVIG therapy who transitioned directly to once-weekly subcutaneous efgartigimod (Vyvgart Hytrulo) within one week of their final IVIG dose — no washout period required.

The results were encouraging: 87% of participants (20 of 23) continued efgartigimod through the full 12-week treatment period. Disease severity stayed stable during the transition, quality of life held steady, and the treatment was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with prior data.

Key Takeaways:

• 87% of patients remained on efgartigimod through 12 weeks — meeting the study's primary endpoint
• 56.5% of participants reported improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change at their final assessment
• No treatment-free washout period was required between IVIG and efgartigimod
• Limitations include a small sample size, open-label design, and short 12-week follow-up

Why it matters: Previous trial data required patients to show clinical worsening before switching to efgartigimod — a bar that doesn't reflect real-world practice. These findings offer neurologists preliminary, practical guidance for transitioning stable IVIG patients to a subcutaneous option, potentially improving convenience and quality of life without sacrificing disease control.