HANS D. KATZBERG
Research Identity
Immune neuropathies, myasthenia gravis, neuromuscular diagnostics, and symptom science.
Clinical Translation
Clinical trials, immunotherapy advocacy, diagnostic innovation, and patient-centred outcome measures.
Education Identity
Award-winning teaching, fellowship and trainee supervision, city-wide rounds, and knowledge translation.
Leadership Identity
Divisional service, program direction, and national / international neuromuscular governance.
Four connected platforms anchor the research program — each supported by peer-reviewed funding, publications, trainees, and leadership roles detailed in the appendices.
Immune Neuropathies & Immunotherapy
CIDP, GBS and MMN; immunoglobulin treatment models (home IVIG, subcutaneous Ig); clinical-trial design, drug safety, and outcome measurement. Coordinating investigator for multi-dose IVIG in CIDP (ProCID) and steering-committee leadership across global CIDP and MMN programs.
Myasthenia Gravis
Clinical outcomes and treatment response, electrodiagnostics of neuromuscular junction disorders, sleep and respiratory dysfunction, and non-invasive diagnostics including oculography — the first MG CIHR grant in 20 years.
Neuromuscular Diagnostics
“No Shocks, No Needles, No Scalpels.” Electrodiagnostics, neuromuscular ultrasound and MRI neurography, oculography, small-fiber testing, and minimally invasive percutaneous muscle biopsy.
Symptom Science & Patient-Centred Outcomes
Muscle cramps and peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, respiratory dysfunction and sleep-disordered breathing, and validated patient-centred outcome measures including the Muscle Cramp Impact Index.
Every appendix preserves the full detail of the source record. Click any appendix header to collapse or expand it.
200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Telephone (416) 340-3662
Fax (416) 340-4081
Email hans.katzberg@utoronto.ca
A.1 EDUCATION
A.1.1 Degrees
A.1.2 Postgraduate, Research and Specialty Training
A.1.3 Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses
A.2 EMPLOYMENT
A.2.1 Current Appointments
A.2.2 Previous Appointments
A.3 HONOURS AND CAREER AWARDS
A.3.1 Distinctions and Research Awards
Fellow status acknowledges exemplary work and achievements in the neurosciences, the clinical practice of neurology or academic/administrative neurology, in the AAN, and in community.
American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting Scholarship recipient (representing University of Toronto Neurology Department). Total Amount: 1,000 USD
“Best Science Presentation by a Trainee (Pulmonary)” at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Annual Meeting.
Top Third year Applicant to University of British Columbia Medical School.
A.3.2 Teaching and Education Awards
Awarded Resident Teacher of the Year representing the University of Toronto by Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Ontario (PAIRO).
Teaching award given the faculty member who has demonstrated a sustained excellence in teaching to postgraduate trainees including residents and fellows in the department of medicine at the University Health Network.
The MD Program Teaching Award for Excellence is a new initiative introduced by the University of Toronto medical students. The award recognizes faculty in the MD Program that have attained Teaching Evaluation Scores in the top 10% in one or more of the teaching activities to which they have contributed.
The MD Program Teaching Award for Excellence is a new initiative introduced by the University of Toronto medical students. The award recognizes faculty in the MD Program that have attained Teaching Evaluation Scores in the top 10% in one or more of the teaching activities to which they have contributed.
Awarded to member of the Division of Neurology at the University of Toronto who has made outstanding contributions to resident education for over the past year.
Awarded Most Outstanding Senior Resident Teacher of the Year Award, University of Toronto Neurology Department.
A.3.3 Student/Trainee Awards
Post-Graduate Medical Education, University of Toronto. PGME research award to support graduates pursuing post-graduate studies in the Faculty of Medicine. Total Amount: 7,000
Post-Graduate Medical Education, University of Toronto. PGME research award to support graduates in medicine engaged in medical research. Total Amount: 10,000
A.4 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
A.4.1 Professional Associations
A.4.2 Administrative Activities
Appointed to the INC Board effective May 2025.
Chair of task force reviewing evidence behind appropriate diagnostic testing and screening lab tests for small fiber neuropathy.
Member of the 49 member IGOS EDx (Electrodiagnostics) Study Group, a subgroup of the larger IGOS study based out of Holland. Admission to this panel of international experts in EMG and Nerve Conduction in inflammatory neuropathies is by invitation and selection and has regular meetings in person, virtually and electronically and is currently evaluating 2 manuscripts relating to research activity from the IGOS study.
The Muscle Study Group is an exclusive clinical investigator only network (~200 members) of neuromuscular clinicians in North America and Europe. A major index disease includes myasthenia gravis, immune neuromuscular junction disease.
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/neurology/muscle-study-group/.
Elected member – Resident, Fellow and Young Investigator Committee of the Muscle Study Group.
Voted member of the largest not-for-profit organization service in North America (based in USA) for patients and families with myasthenia gravis, an immune neuromuscular junction disorder. http://www.mgfa.org.
70 member network of neuromuscular clinicians, investigators and scientists in Canada. http://muscle.ca/tag/can-nmd/.
Co-chair for national neurophysiology course for neurologists at CNSF annual meeting. Co-chair responsibilities included organizing and performing lectures and hands-on EMG workshops focussed on the assessment of neuropathies, myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis.
National patient group in Canada geared towards information for patients with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculopathy and Guillan Barre Syndrome (CIDP/GBS), both severe diffuse autoimmune neuropathies. http://www.gbs-cidp.org/canada/.
Participated as invited panelist on 2 reviews for newly approved drugs in the field of neuromuscular diseases due to expertise in this field as well as experience with clinical trials and outcome measures.
Invited to participate as a physician reviewer in the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP), which is actively reviewing claims of permanent and severe injury from COVID-19 virus. Selected to this project due to previous lectures on vaccines in the context of Guillan Barre Syndrome as well as additional publications and expertise in this area.
Voted member of the largest not-for-profit organization service in North America (based in USA) for patients and families with myasthenia gravis, an immune neuromuscular junction disorder. http://www.mgfa.org.
Co-chair of the Transition Care in Neurology Committee for the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Fellowship Program Director for the Division of Neurology, University of Toronto.
A.4.3 Peer Review Activities
A.4.4 Other Research and Professional Activities
Member of international adjudication committee for a prospective observational natural history study on CIDP (total 50+ sites and 20+ countries planned to participate).
Member of international 4 person steering committee coordinating activities for a prospective observational natural history study on multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) (total 80+ sites and 20+ countries planned to participate).
Member of international 5 person steering committee designing a clinical trial for a novel complement inhibitor for multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN).
Member of DSMB for international clinical trial of novel agent in Inclusion Body myositis.
Member of DSMB for international clinical trial complement inhibitor in dermatomyositis.
Invited to member of overarching DSMB for international clinical trials related to immune agent.
Member of international 5 person steering committee designing and implementing clinical trials for IVIG and SCIG in patients with CIDP.
Member of overarching DSMB for international clinical trials related to Fc Receptor Inhibitor.
Member of DSMB for international clinical trial of Fc Receptor Inhibitor in MG.
Head of DSMB for international clinical trial.
Chair of PAC committee for Master’s level thesis project evaluating Fatigue and Sleep in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis.
Part of PAC committee for Master’s level thesis project evaluating a novel nutritional approach to treatment of patients with leprosy related neuropathy.
B.1 Grants, Contracts and Clinical Trials
B.1.1 PEER-REVIEWED GRANTS
2024 Jul – 2025 Jun: 588,286 EUR (prorated).
In this project, experts in clinical neurophysiology, data science and instrumentation will develop an artificial-intelligence platform to automatically, objectively and accurately interpret nEMG data. They will validate the method using real nEMG data from around the world, and take first steps towards integrating the platform into existing software for clinical use.
There is a gap in resources to support the process of transition from pediatric to adult neurological care available for patients, families, and providers. Resources that do exist are not specific to neurological diseases nor to the network of providers and resources in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The current grant aims to develop a Toronto and Neurology specific publicly available website for patients, parents/families, and providers to use throughout the process of transition of care.
Peer-reviewed grant focusing on the most promising studies that will impact the trajectory and outcomes of immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. Co-investigator on novel corneal confocal microscopy outcome measure for use in assessment of patients with inflammatory neuropathy.
CANCOV 2.0 will extend new knowledge from CANCOV to 2-year follow-up and will inform the long-term outcomes of the post-COVID-19 condition with a specific focus on vulnerable populations. My role continues to be to monitor and assess the neuromuscular complications and outcomes including neuropathy, myopathy and muscle cramps which occur from COVID infection.
The Canadian COVID-19 Prospective Cohort Study (CANCOV) is a platform observational study that provides a comprehensive evaluation of early to 2-year outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and their family caregivers. My role is the lead the data collection, assessment and interpretation of the possible neuromuscular complications including neuropathy, myopathy and muscle cramps which occur with COVID exposure.
Principle Applicant in Fall 2019 CIHR competition (along with Dr. Mark Boulos and Ryerson engineering) on use of electrooculography in MG and comparison to other diagnostic methods.
Study using a home sleep device to study sleep disturbances, sleepiness and fatigue in patients with myasthenia gravis. This is a collaborative effort with our sleep colleagues at Sunnybrook Hospital and our neuromuscular colleagues at St. Michael’s Hospital. It follows previous studies using hospital based polysomnography in MG as a proof of principle and also to test the relationship between sleep and fatigue in MG.
Peer-reviewed grant focusing on the most promising studies that will impact the trajectory and outcomes of immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy.
Grant to evaluate prospectively which clinical measures including office and lab based pulmonary testing for adult and children with myasthenia gravis. Study aims to comprehensively measure MG status, respiratory symptoms, sleepiness, pulmonary function testing including upright and supine FVC, MIP, SNIP and overnight polysomnography.
Pilot study evaluating MRI Neurography in patients with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), a chronic immune neuropathy to determining use of efficacy as a biomarker. Patients with CIDP will also be assessed before and after immunotherapy in order to identify treatment related changes.
This is an observational study aimed at identifying the factors responsible for the clinical characteristics and clinical course of Guillan Bare Syndrome (GBS), a life threatening acute inflammatory neuropathy. This is achieved by collecting and analysing the clinical and laboratory data during the course of the disease over a one year time scale. UHN is one of the Canadian sites in this large worldwide study aiming to study 1250 patients ($1000/patient, 15 patients planned, 7 patients enrolled).
Co-investigator in charge of characterizing neuromuscular pathology responsible for diaphragm dysfunction during mechanical ventilation as part of phase 2 of the USEFUL study, which is charged with evaluating neuromuscular in patients with diaphragm dysfunction.
Study evaluating children <18 with MG in the respiratory clinic and sleep lab to comprehensively characterize respiratory disturbances and sleep disorders in this patient population.
Comprehensive assessment of outcomes for muscle cramps in patients with idiopathic as well as cramps associated with medical and neurological conditions. Patients will be recruited from multiple clinics around U of T hospitals. They will firstly undergo qualitative analysis via interviews (n=20) leading to the development of a cramp index tool, reviewed with experts and then validated and testing in a larger sample of patients with cramps (n=120).
To determine if the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radiotracer [18]Fluoro-A-85380 can be used as an effective and safe diagnostic radiotracer in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). 6 patients, 3 MG and 3 control patients planned.
Adult site PI for study evaluating varying steroid doses and comprehensive side effect profile in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis. (2 patients enrolled, study closed).
Randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of MTX for the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a chronic immune neuromuscular disease (7 patients screened, 7 patients randomized).
Adult site PI for University of Toronto in National Registry of patients with neuromuscular diseases (index diseases Duchene’s and Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy).
Pilot study evaluating sleep (via polysomnography) and sleepiness (via MSLT/MWT) in 10 patients with MG. Study procedures completed, analysis of study data ongoing, has yielded 1 published paper, second paper in submission.
Site Investigator (University of Toronto site) for the Peripheral Neuropathy Outcome Measures Standardization (PeriNomS) study.
Peer reviewed national level award (2 awarded / year) for young investigators; modeled after NIH K23 award with 80% research protection ($90,000 / year support).
B.1.2 NON-PEER-REVIEWED GRANTS
This is a 3-year (maximum), single-arm, open-label, multicenter, phase 3 follow-on trial of ARGX-113-1704 to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of efgartigimod in patients with gMG.
This is a Phase 2 clinical trial involving multiple centres in the US, Canada and Europe evaluating the safety and efficacy of a new subcutaneous agent, AGRX-117 combined with human hyaluronidase in 48 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy who have previously been stabilized on IVIG.
Phase 2 trial of SCIG in Chronic Treatment of MG, scheduled for 2 years, evaluating 30 patients on SCIG vs IVIG followed by SCIG over a period of 6 months.
This study will compare the efficacy and safety of adding crovalimab antibody treatment to IVIG in patients with Guillan Barre Syndrome, a serious neuromuscular condition where patients have a severe, life threatening immune reaction usually after an infection which has limited treatment options. One of these is IVIG immunoglobulins, however, this may not always work optimally in patients severely affected. This trial helps to address this gap.
This is an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase III study of PXT3003 in subjects with CMT1A. It will be conducted in approximately 48 sites worldwide.
To evaluate safety and tolerability of ION-682884 in hATTR-PN patients,.
Multi-center North American open-label prospective investigator-initiated study evaluating the efficacy, safety, tolerability and IgG level in MG patients who are on stable IVIg dosage as part of routine clinical care and transitioning to SCIg.
I am the coordinating investigator and was involved in the design of this large, multi-centre, international clinical trial of multi-dose IVIG in the treatment of CIDP.
Adult site Sub-I for study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of subcutaneous immunoglobulin in treating patients with CIDP (22 patients screened, 14 patients randomized).
Randomized study of the effects of IV belimubab immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of generalized MG. 6 patients screened, 6 patients enrolled.
15 patient open-label clinical trial using 20% Hizentra subcutaneous immunoglobulin for treatment of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy over 6 months.
Proof of concept study evaluating the safety and tolerability of out of hospital immunoglobulin (IVIG) for treatment of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (a chronic immune neuropathy). 10 patients received monthly infusions over 6 months.
Site Co-Principle Investigator (Stanford site) Multi-center Phase-3 Trial of Ceftriaxone in ALS.
Site Co-Principle Investigator (CPMC site) in Multi-center Phase 2 Trial of Lithium Carbonate in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (2008-2009)
– assisted in initial study design, preparation of IRB and grant document.
C.1 MOST SIGNIFICANT PUBLICATIONS
This publication is an invited review article authored without input or contributions from senior colleagues in neuromuscular diseases in a major neurology journal (not subspecialty neuromuscular journal). It summarizes my work and an up to date perspective on the clinical assessment and management of neurogenic muscle cramps, one of the priorities of my research and creative professional activities. Impact of this article has been recognition in the field as an international expert in this field, leading upcoming clinical trials and international multi-centre collaborative trials, national level discussions (Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences letters to editor), invited to international advisory boards and international magazine publication interviews.
This article is the first article comprehensively tackling the clinical topic of muscle cramps in patients with polyneuropathy with original data collected in the large neuromuscular clinic at UHN. This topic is one of my CPA priorities and is part of a series of articles evaluating muscle cramps in a number of neuromuscular disorders. It is one of 5 trainee publications I have been senior author on since my appointment.
This article is a first author publication collaborating with measurement experts in the field of neuromuscular disorders (I.M.), evaluating Minimal Clinical Important Difference for the first time in the published literature in myasthenia gravis (immune neuromuscular condition), which will have a significant impact on clinical trial development and assessment of patients with MG. It encompasses one of my research and CPA priorities, evaluation of outcome measures in MG, and has had a major impact on upcoming clinical trial design in myasthenia gravis.
This is the published results of the first clinical trial on out of hospital IVIG treatment in Canada for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), a chronic immune neuropathy (research and CPA priority). This is the first article in a series of research which sets the stage for a phase shift in Canada from in hospital to out of hospital treatments for immune neuromuscular conditions, particularly neuropathies. Subsequent research completed and articles submitted for publication focus on other treatment strategies (community care access programs and subcutaneous self administered immunoglobulin), which has had major impact and has been the main topic of other a dozen invited talks, grand rounds and presentations nationally at major universities and the international peripheral nerve society as novel treatment for this condition.
This article is the first article published which used multi-variate regression to evaluate predictors of response to immunomodulatory treatment in myasthenia gravis, specifically evaluating the importance of clinical outcome measures and their predictive ability in myasthenia gravis (MG), a severe immune neuromuscular disease. This has had a significant impact on new clinical trial design, as it shows that patients with more severe disease are most likely to respond to immunomodulation in MG, and as such calls for the setting of lower limits of disease severity for entry into clinical trials and the establishment of minimum clinical important difference in MG, which is the topic of a follow-up paper.
C.2 PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
C.2.1 Journal Articles
C.2.2 Book Chapters
C.2.3 Editorials
C.2.4 Letters to Editor
C.3 NON-PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
C.3.1 Multimedia
Talk 2: https://hstalks.com/t/5220/crampology-102-measurement-and-treatment-of-muscle/?mode=s2s&sig=19c472a41789c0abb1ea825e08ac1f71&expiry=1681033924.Principal Author
C.3.2 Magazine Entries
C.3.3 Newspaper Articles
disease. MND Care. 2012 Aug. Acknowledged in Publication (Not Author).
C.4 SUBMITTED PUBLICATIONS
C.4.1 Journal Articles
D.1 International
D.1.1 Invited Lectures and Presentations
Platform : Treatment of Rare Neuromuscular Diseases
Seminar : Management of Patients with Pompe’s Disease. (Continuing Education).
Lecture : Update in Peripheral Neuropathy. (Continuing Education).
Lecture : Respiratory Manifestations of Neuromuscular Disease. (Continuing Education).
D.1.2 Presented Abstracts
D.1.3 Presented and Published Abstracts
Publication Details:
Evaluation of Respiration and Nocturnal Hypoventilation in Adults and Children with Myasthenia Gravis.
Publication Details:
Office Based Pulmonary Tests for the Detection of Respiratory Disturbances in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology. 2017 May. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg HD, Rasutis VR, Bril V. Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (IgPRO20) for Maintenance Treatment in Patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy. Neurology. 2015 Apr;84(14):P7.094. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Michael Benatar, Michael P McDermott, Donald B Sanders, Gil I Wolfe, Richard Barohn, Richard Nowak, Michael Hehir, Vern Juel, Hans Katzberg, Rabi Tawil. Effectiveness of Prednisone in the Treatment of Ocular Myasthenia (EPITOME). Neurology. 2015 Apr;84(14):P7.048. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Barnett-Tapia C, Katzberg H, Keshavjee S, Bril V. Thymectomy For Non-Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis: A Propensity Score Matched Study. Neurology. 2014 Apr;82:P02.188. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Ebadi H, Katzberg H, Lovblom LE, Perkins B, Bril V. Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound in Small Fiber Neuropathy. Neurology. 2014 Apr;82:P6.086. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Katzberg HD, Maxwell S, Kokokyi S, Ebadi H, Breiner A, Bril V. Characteristics of Muscle Cramps in Patients with Polyneuropathy. Neurology. 2014 Apr;82(10):P6.104. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Kokokyi S, Jewel D, Barnett-Tapia C, Murray B, Bril V. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Muscle Nerve. 2010 Oct;48(1):S5. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Use of Ultrasound in Patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy. Journal of Peripheral Nervous System. 2013 Jun;18(2):S54. Senior Responsible Author.
Publication Details:
Barnett-Tapia C, Katzberg H, Bril V. Patient Outcomes in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology. 2013 Apr;82:P02.188. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Maxwell SK, Barnett C, Kokokyi S, Leung JC, Yu JJ, Bril V, Katzberg HD. Association of social support with quality of life in patients with polyneuropathy. Neurology. 2013 Apr;80:P.01.145. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Kassardjian C, Kokokyi S, Jewel D, Bril V, Murray B, Katzberg H. Sleep, Sleepiness and Neuromuscular Fatigue in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Muscle Nerve. 2012 Oct;46(4):621-679. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Barnett-Tapia C, Grinberg Y, Ghani M, Rogaeva E, St. George-Hyslop P, Katzberg H, Bril V. FcγReceptor Polymorphisms, Disease Severity and Response to IVIG Treatment in Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology. 2012 Apr;78:SC02.002. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Barnett-Tapia C, Merkies I, Bril V. Minimal Clinical Important Differences in Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology. 2012 Apr;78:P05.173. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Kokokyi S, Halpern E, Drew E, Bril V, Perkins B. Prevalence of Muscle Cramps in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Neurology. 2012 Apr;78:P03.196. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Ebadi H, Katzberg H, Lovblom LE, Perkins B, Bril V. Non-invasive tests in the diagnosis of small fibre neuropathy. Neurology. 2012 Apr;78:P03.205. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Barnett C, Bril V. Predictors of Response to Immunomodulatory Treatment in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Muscle Nerve. 2011 Oct;44(4):623-694. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Barnett C, Bril V. Correlation of Clinical, Electrophysiological and Immunological Factors in MG. Muscle Nerve. 2010 Oct;42(4):622-696. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Nabavi Nouri M, Huang M, Bril V. Relationship Between the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Scale and Clinical, Immunological and Electrophysiological Markers of Disease Status in Myasthenia Gravis. Muscle Nerve. 2010 Oct;42(4):622-696. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Barros DJ, So SC, Widrow B, So YT. Analysis of Continuous Diaphragm EMG in a Patient with ALS. Muscle Nerve. 2009 Oct;40(4):674-749. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Cho SC, Katzberg H, Kim BJ, Roh HJ, So YT. Safety and Short-Term Effects of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Review of Chinese Data. Neurology. 2009 May:P07.163. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Bril V, Dalakas MC, Denc C, Donofrio P, Hanna K, Hartung H, Hughes RA, Katzberg H, Latov N, Merkies IS, van Doorn PA. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): The correlation between treatment outcomes and nerve conduction study findings. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. 2009 May;36(S1):S1-S106. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Bril V, Dalakas M, Deng C, Donofrio P, Hanna K, Hartung H-P, Hughes R, Katzberg H, Latov N, Merkies I, van Doorn P. Electrophysiologic Correlations to Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Neurology. 2009 Mar:P04.113. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Bril V, Katzberg H, Dalakas M, Deng C, Donofrio P, Hanna K, Hartung H-P, Hughes R, Latov N, Merkies I, van Doorn P. Changes in Electrophysiology in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Treated With Immune Globulin Intravenous, 10% Caprylate/Chromatography Purified Versus Placebo for Up to 24 Weeks. J Neurol. 2008 Jun;255(Suppl 2):1-235;P439. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Bril V, Katzberg H, Dalakas MC, Deng C, Donofrio P, Hanna K, Hartung H, Hughes R, Latov N, Merkies I, Van Doorn P. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in Patients with CIDP Treated with IVIG versus Placebo. Neurology. 2008 Apr. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Nyguen T, Katzberg H, So Y, Katz JS, Cho C. Motor Weakness, pain and ambulation difficulty are potential risk factors for motor vehicle accidents in patients with Neuropathy. Neurology. 2008 Apr. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Miller RG, Grable P, Srinivasan J, Greenberg SA, Katz JS, Amato A. An immune responsive limb-girdle myopathy may develop after statin use and is marked by myonecrosis and lack of inflammation on muscle biopsy. Neurology. 2008 Apr. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Onders RM, Katirji B, So Y, Cho C, Newman D. Diaphragm EMG measurements Utilizing The Implanted Electrodes of the Diaphragm Pacing Stimulation (DPS) System: Advancing Our Understanding of Respiration in ALS. Neurology. 2008 Apr. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Agid R, Mikilus D, Gilani A, Jaigoban C, Kern RZ. MRI Characteristics in Migraine-Stroke and Control Stroke Patients are Similar. Headache. 2005 May;45(6):841-45. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Perkins B, Bril V. Reliability Assessment of the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score. Neurology. 2004 Apr;62(7 Suppl 5):A224. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Bril V. A Comparison of Electrodiagnostic Tests in Ocular Myasthenia Gravis. Muscle and Nerve. 2003 Sep;(12):S44. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Aziz T, Oger J. In vitro AchRAb Secretion by Immunocytes Taken from Post-Thymectomy Myasthenic Patients. Annals of Neurology. 2001 Sep;50(3 Suppl 1):S8-79. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Aziz T, Oger J. Secretion of AChrAb from Atrophic Thymuses Taken from Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Neurology. 2000 Apr 11;54(7 Suppl 3):A1-557. Principal Author.
D.1.4 Media Appearances
D.2 National
D.2.1 Invited Lectures and Presentations
D.2.2 Presented Abstracts
D.2.3 Presented and Published Abstracts
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Rasutis V, Bril V. Home IVIG for maintenance therapy in CIDP. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. 2012 Jun 8:E.02. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Lim-Fat MJ, Kokokyi S, Katzberg H. Treatment of Muscle Cramps: Neurologist Practice Patterns. CJNS. 2012 Jun:P.031. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Bril V, Donofrio P, Deng C, Hanna K, Hughes RA, Katzberg H, van Doorn PA. Electrophysiologic Changes in Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled CIDP Trial Evaluating IVIG-C. CJNS. 2008 May;35(S1):S1-S114. Coauthor or Collaborator.
Publication Details:
Katzberg H, Venkatesh V. Effects of Steroids on Expression of Na Channel in the Distal Renal Tubule. Pediatric Research. 1998 Apr;43(4 Suppl 2):50. Principal Author.
Publication Details:
Venkatesh V, Katzberg H. Effects of Glucocorticoids on sodium channel gene expression in human fetal lung. 1997 Sep. (presented at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Annual Meeting Sept 1997). Coauthor or Collaborator.
D.3 Provincial / Regional
D.3.1 Invited Lectures and Presentations
2025 Aug 23
Judge. Institute of Medical Science (IMS) Summer Undergraduate Research Program poster judging.Speaker. Invited presentation. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Patient Conference.
D.4 Local
D.4.1 Invited Lectures and Presentations
D.4.2 Media Appearances
E.1 PRIMARY OR CO-SUPERVISION
E.1.1 Undergraduate MD
E.1.2 Postgraduate MD
William S. Fenwick Fellowship ($7000)
Best Neurology Resident Presentation (Neurology Silversides Day) 2012. Collaborator(s): Brian Murray, Vera Bril.
F.1 RESEARCH STATEMENTS
Research Statement.
My efforts in advanced clinical assessment in neuromuscular disease includes 2 common symptom complexes which are underrecognized and poorly studied. Firstly, I have been involved in the assessment of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (muscle cramps). Through a New Initiatives Grant from the University of Toronto, I have used a patient-centered approach to develop a novel, validated clinical outcome measure, the Toronto Cramp Impact Index (TCII), which comprehensively assesses muscle cramps over and above frequency and severity. I have been involved in the critical review of available treatments including two Cochrane reviews on cramps in ALS and non-pharmacological approaches, and a review of treatment-related issues specific to geriatric patients. In regards to respiratory dysfunction, I have been involved in the assessment of respiration and sleep disordered breathing in MG, with support from research grants from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Slamen Fast New Initiatives Grant from the Division of Neurology at the University of Toronto. Through these efforts, I have worked with respiratory and sleep colleagues to identify a) strategies to screen for respiratory dysfunction in the neuromuscular clinic and pulmonary laboratory b) assessment of sleepiness and sleep disordered breathing using in-hospital polysomnography and home sleep strategies. In addition to clinical tools, I have continued work in electrodiagnostics, achieving international recognition in the use of repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber electromyography for neuromuscular junction disorders.
In addition to traditional methods, I have placed significant efforts at a “No Shocks, No Needles, No scalpels” minimally invasive approach to neuromuscular diagnostics. This includes: Oculography for Diagnosis of MG: collaboration with sleep neurologists and engineers to develop pilot data which has led to an active CIHR grant evaluating this novel diagnostic method. Percutaneous muscle biopsy: Established first in world single, operator vacuum assisted muscle biopsy program at UHN. Evaluation of tests for small fiber neuropathy: chair of the Task Force Evaluating Diagnostic and Screening Laboratory Tests for small fiber neuropathy for the American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). Neuromuscular Imaging: I have contributed to a book chapter on this topic, have published the use of ultrasound to evaluate disease activity in MMN and have recently received the Elisabeth Raab Grant in Immune Neuromuscular Research studying the ability ultrasound to study disease activity in CIDP.
Another major topic in my research portfolio is as a clinical trialist and investigator for immune neuropathies and myasthenia gravis. I have been involved in trial design, steering committee and coordinating investigator activities for a multi-centre study of multiple doses of IVIG for CIDP (ProCID study, 2021 Brain publication) and in clinical trial design and as data safety monitoring chair for a study of IVIG in dermatomyositis (ProDerm study, 2022 NEJM publication). In addition, I have been involved in clinical trial design and the invited to the overarching global DSMB member for a novel Fc receptor agent in neuromuscular disease (UCB Rozalinolixizumab program), and have been invited to chair an international clinical trial DSMB on a novel immunotherapeutic agent in inclusion body myositis (IBM). I am a member of the Inflammatory Neuropathy Consortium branch of the Peripheral Nerve Society, where I have participated as a co-investigator in the: a) International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) evaluating natural history and immunotherapy use GBS b) Peripheral Neuropathy Outcome Measures Standardization Study (PERINOMS) evaluating optimal methods to follow patients with inflammatory neuropathy. I have become a leader in the field studying out-of-hospital immunoglobulin infusion for neurology, including home IVIG, subcutaneous immunoglobulin and outpatient plasmapheresis, advocating for patient centered treatments along with patient groups (MG Society of Canada, MG Foundation of America, CIDP/GBS Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Canada), industry and government partners (Canadian Blood Services). This has led to leading a novel, investigator initiated trial as principle investigator evaluating efficacy for variable dosing strategies subcutaneous immunoglobulin in MG. In addition, I am currently site-investigator for multiple phase II and III studies evaluating Fc-inhibitor and complement therapies for MG and CIDP, site-PI for two new multi-centre studies evaluating Fc-inhibitors in MMN and novel immunotherapy in GBS, and have been invited to the steering committee investigating electrophysiology in the multi-centre ProCID study and novel study on SCIG for CIDP (Octapharma).
I have been a research supervisor to multiple fellows which has translated to collaborations internationally, and now as an associate member of the Institute of Medical Sciences, have been on the advisory committee for 2 Master’s Thesis, one as chair. In September 2021, I became an invited member of the Temerty Centre of Artificial Intelligence for Research and Education in Medicine (T-CAREIM), and plan to continue my work in neurodiagnostics by using AI and machine learning strategies. The above initiatives have introduced novel concepts in the measurement, evaluation and treatment of peripheral neuropathies and MG, and have created important pilot data and framework for ongoing work in these fields. In total, I have authored or co-authored 163 peer-reviewed publications (Google Scholar h-index 44, 8,580 citations; updated 2026 July 26).
F.2 TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Although my academic career focus is research, teaching is an integral part of my activities in the Division of Neurology and our Neuromuscular group at UHN. I strongly believe in a “case based approach” to education. As chair of the Annual U of T Neuromuscular Day, I have also ensured that there are “neuromuscular case challenges” talks in addition to the research agenda to provide high level educational opportunity for community neurologists and neurology residents. Another philosophy is a “hands-on” approach to teaching. I have implemented programs to teach percutaneous muscle biopsy to fellows and lumbar puncture to residents. Basic and advanced electrophysiology (such as single fiber EMG) is taught to residents and fellows in a way that lets them set up their own EMG labs and train technicians. Since my start as a staff neurologist at U of T, I have also supervised over a dozen students, residents and fellows in a research capacity. This has led to resident presentations and posters, publications and major resident awards (one of the residents receiving a major resident research award). I have enjoyed not only working with neurology trainees, but also working with the Department of Physiatry to help train their residents on neuromuscular and neurophysiology topics. I have also participated in the physiatry educational half day as well as the neurology academic half days. In 2013 I was awarded the Division of Neurology Faculty Teaching award for my contributions to medical education within the division as voted by the neurology residents. For teaching done with undergraduate medical students, I was awarded the MD Program Teaching Awards of Excellence in 2019 and 2020. In June 2023 I was awarded the Scott-Velland Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award for 2022-2023 for my efforts in postgraduate teaching at the University Health Network.
In 2014 I was approached by our Neurology Division Head and was asked to take over as Program Director of the Divison of Neurology Fellowship Program. I enthusiastically took on this important divisional activity. I continued as Fellowship Program Director for all U of T neurology programs after promotion to Associate Professor in 2016 until the end of my appointment in 2021 (a total of 7 years). During my tenure, the number of fellows doubled and I was involved in brining novel programs to fruition including fellowships in a) Women’s Neurology b) Brain Health c) City Wide Neuromuscular Fellowship among others. Also, at the request of the Division Head, I have been invited to stand in for him on his weekly “Professor’s Rounds” for the neurology residents where neurology cases are discussed on 2 occasions. I have also previously participated in the Toronto Neurology Update series which provides continuing education to community neurologists and education of other U of T staff as well as residents on a basic approach to neurology. As part of CPA and research activities I continue to provide continuing education to colleagues on new and standard neuromuscular topics. Through presentations at a) our annual U of T neuromuscular day b) talks for community neurologists c) national events for CIDP/GBS Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the MG Society of Canada d) international webinars e) visiting university professorships f) invited symposia, workshops and lectures, I provide an average of 20 hours of continuing education lectures each year. I serve as the Chair of Neurology grand rounds, and responsible for organizing the visits for 5-6 visiting professors, including their Neurology Grand Rounds talk. In 2017, I organized a Neuromuscular Review Course for approximately 50 attendees including neurologist and trainees featuring 4 experts from various universities from top US centres.
F.3 CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES STATEMENT
My career in neuromuscular research began while still a medical student in a neuroimmunology laboratory at the University of British Columbia, studying the antibody response post-thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis, the prototypical immune neuromuscular junction disorder. My interest in neuromuscular disorders continued during residency at the University of Toronto but shifted from the basic science lab to clinical research, evaluating electrodiagnostic methods used to diagnose junctional disorders.
I continued to study electrodiagnostic and clinical aspects of junctional disorders during fellowship and graduate studies at Stanford University. In addition, I worked with pioneers in filtering algorithms to study electromyographic signals and expanded my research profile to include additional immune neuromuscular conditions including neuropathies such as CIDP, GBS and MMN as well as statin immune necrotizing myopathy, a novel syndrome described by our research group in collaboration with the Harvard group. While working at large ALS clinics at Stanford, I also became interested in symptom assessment and management in patients with neuromuscular disease, in particular peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (muscle cramps) as well as respiratory dysfunction including sleep disordered breathing. Although I currently do not work in an ALS clinic, I have applied and expanded on these 2 major, under-recognized themes to my research in peripheral neuropathies and myasthenia gravis while on staff as a clinical investigator at the Krembil Brain Institute at the University of Toronto.
Since coming on staff at the University of Toronto I have continued the above themes and focus on peripheral neuropathies and neuromuscular junction disorders, and in addition have expanded my research profile as the field of neuromuscular medicine has evolved. In addition to ongoing work on electrodiagnostics including nerve conduction studies and electromyography, I have now added neuromuscular imaging including MRI neurography and neuromuscular ultrasound as well as minimally invasive muscle biopsy, oculography and small fiber neuropathy assessments to my profile in the development of novel neuromuscular diagnostic tools. While gaining expertise as a clinical trialist and investigator, I have developed a particular interest in advocacy for safe and accessible immunotherapies for conditions including immune neuropathies and myasthenia gravis.
G.1 Contributions to the Development of Professional Practices
Improving Symptom Management in Patients with Neuromuscular Disease
2020 Jul 1 – present Improving Symptom Management in Patients with Neuromuscular Disease.
Although most clinical and research efforts for neuropathy and myasthenia gravis focus on neuropathic pain and weakness, under-recognized symptoms include motor nerve hyper-excitability including muscle cramps and respiratory dysfunction including sleep disordered breathing. By further studying assessment and management of these two common symptoms, I hope to improve the lives of patients with neuromuscular disease who experience them.
1) Motor nerve hyper-excitability and muscle cramps: I have written multiple research articles, book chapters and reviews highlighting the pathophysiology, exemplary clinical cases, outcome measures and treatment related issues to help raise awareness of how to best care for cramps in normal, altered physiological and disease states. Through a New Initiatives Grant from the University of Toronto, I have used a patient-centered approach to develop a novel, validated clinical outcome measure which comprehensively assesses muscle cramps over and above frequency and severity. I have been involved in the critical review of available treatments including Cochrane reviews on cramps in ALS and non-pharmacological approaches, and a review of treatment-related issues specific to geriatric patients. Given the limited available options for patients, I have also been involved in the development of novel therapeutics with basic science and industry partners, in the current promotion cycle with Merz for botulinum toxin.
2) Respiratory dysfunction including sleep disordered breathing in MG: With support from research grants from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Slamen Fast New Initiatives Grant from the Division of Neurology at the University of Toronto, I have worked with respiratory and sleep colleagues to identify a) best strategies to screen for respiratory dysfunction in the neuromuscular clinic and pulmonary function laboratory and b) assessment of sleepiness and sleep disordered breathing using both in-hospital polysomnography and out of hospital home sleep strategies. Through collaboration with neurology and respiratory medicine colleagues at the Hospital for Sick Children where I was an affiliate staff member for 12 years, I led a novel study identifying previously unrecognized, treatable sleep apnea in children with myasthenia gravis and optimal methods to study respiratory dysfunction in the pediatric MG population. Through the University of Toronto Neuromuscular Transition Care Program which I have led since 2010, we have had the opportunity to now follow and optimally care for these patients into adulthood.
Peripheral Nerve Hyperexcitability and Muscle Cramps: I was invited to the Annual Neuromuscular Symposium at Baylor University, International Congress of Neuromuscular Disease (ICNMD) and through a Visiting Professorship at the University of Kansas (March 2020, not included in previous promotion) where I had the opportunity to educate fellow neuromuscular clinicians on the assessment and management of muscle cramps in neuromuscular disease. Case studies published as a short review in Practical Neurology as well as longer, more detailed book chapter in Neurologic Clinics also helped with knowledge translation of practical approach to the management of muscle cramps. Publication of Cochrane review on non-pharmacological treatments of cramps has also helped to assess the levels of evidence of various treatment approaches and recommendations for future research.
Respiratory Dysfunction and Sleep Disordered Breathing in MG: In addition to multiple publications and presentations at international neurology meetings resulting from this research, I have been invited as a visiting professor internationally by the Myasthenia Gravis Society of Ecuador to discuss this and other topics relating to MG management (scheduled June 2020, postponed due to high rates of COVID in Ecuador at that time). I have also presented these topics at visiting professorships at the University of Dammam in Saudi Arabia and University of Saskatchewan. I have also been a member of the medical advisory board of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada and have partnered with Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Canadian Neurological Science Federation (CNSF) to disseminate information relating to MG symptom management including how to do this during COVID directly to patients, families and treaters through seminars. I have been involved in reviewing this topic for the 2022 Canadian Myasthenia Gravis Management Guidelines – although these are national guidelines, they have international impact as they are the most up to date guidelines in MG worldwide. As member of the Institute of Medical Sciences, I have now been involved in multiple PAC groups, most recently as chair of a Master’s degree committee for a student studying home sleep studies in patients with MG.
Advancing and Developing Novel Neuromuscular Diagnostic Tools
2020 Jul 1 – 2021 Jun 30 Advancing Existing and Development of Novel Neuromuscular Diagnostic Tools.
I have continued my work in traditional electrodiagnostics since my first publication on this topic in 2005, now having achieved international recognition as a leader in the field of repetitive nerve stimulation (electrical shocks) and single fiber electromyography (needle electrodes) for diagnosis and assessment of neuromuscular junction disorders through international symposia and seminal monographs on the topic. In addition, I have been a member of the Electrodiagnostic Task Force of the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) and Inflammatory Neuropathy Consortium, advancing the understanding of nerve conduction studies (shocks) for diagnosis of this life-threatening condition through recent publications. I have recently become a member of the Temerty Centre for Artificial Intelligence fpr Research and Education (T-CAREIM) Centre at the University of Toronto, where I am collaborating with other clinicians and scientists on the use of AI in advancing neuromuscular diagnostics.
In addition to studying traditional electrical methods, I have proposed a “No Shocks, No Needles, No scalpels” minimally invasive approach to neuromuscular diagnostics. This includes:
1) Oculography for Diagnosis of MG: Have collaborated with sleep neurologists and engineers to develop pilot data which has led to an active CIHR grant (first MG CIHR grant in 20 years) evaluating this novel diagnostic method.
2) Percutaneous muscle biopsy: In contrast to open muscle biopsy, percutaneous muscle biopsy has advantages of greater accessibility to neurologists and less scarring. Since learning this from Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky at McMaster University in 2010 and establishing this program at the Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases.
3) Evaluation of tests for small fiber neuropathy: I am the chair of the Task Force Evaluating Diagnostic and Screening Laboratory Tests for Small fiber neuropathy for the American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine along with other experts in the field. An evidence-based review of the findings from the task force
4) Neuromuscular Imaging: As a follow-up to guest editing a special edition on neuromuscular ultrasound for the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, I have now contributed a book chapter on this topic. I have also published our group’s experience using ultrasound to evaluate disease activity in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and have received the Elisabeth Raab Grant in Immune Neuromuscular Research studying the ability ultrasound to study disease activity in CIDP.
– Knowledge translation on neuromuscular diagnostics through visiting professorships, lectures and symposia: Neuromuscular diagnostics comprises a major component of each international lecture or symposia given to neurologists when covering “Updates in the Field” of CIDP and MG management, along with treatment principles. This includes: grand rounds given twice at the University of Saskatchewan, once at the University of Manitoba, visiting professorship at the University of Dammam in Saudi Arabia, invited lectures and visiting professorships at 3 of the primary University Neurology Clinics in Santiago Chile, invited lecture at the Mexican Association of Transfusion Medicine, invited lecture at the Argentine National Neurology Conference and myasthenia gravis foundation of Ecuador and invited symposium at the American Academy of Neuromuscular and Academic Medicine in Denver Colorado.
– Dissemination of electrophysiology updates through lectures, book chapters and symposia: I have had the opportunity to present, moderate and chair symposia directly targeting a neurology audience on the use of electrophysiology for assessment of neuromuscular junction defect (MG) and neuropathies including small fiber neuropathy. This has been done at the invitation of and in collaboration with the International and American Congresses of Clinical Neurophysiology (ICCN and ACCN) for MG as well as the American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and Annual Neuromuscular Colloqiuium at the University of California (Irvine). In my role as chair of the Small Fiber Neuropathy Task Force, we have produced an evidence based review which will be a reference for practicing neurologists and physiatrists on the adequate diagnostic tests for small fiber neuropathy. Seminal monographs have been published through Neurologic Clinics
– Adoption and additional investigation of novel diagnostics: The percutaneous muscle biopsy system has evolved to a first in world single versus dual operator system which has now been published and adapted by the Hospital for Sick Children, St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital and clinics nationally and internationally. Although oculography for assessment of MG is still under investigation, it has been highlighted at the ISST and ASST after publication of preliminary data, and the technique has been references in analogous novel technology efforts. Neuromuscular imaging is also in early stages of clinical adoption, and contribution to professional practice includes dissemination of novel MRI neurography data funded and shared by the International CIDP / GBS Foundation International to be used by other neuromuscular imaging groups and CIDP/GBS Centres of Excellence. Imaging work will also be available to neurologists through publication of a chapter on ultrasound cases for diagnosis of neuromuscular disease in the popular Video Atlas of Neuromuscular Disease 3rd edition.
Advocacy for Safe and Effective Immunotherapies
2020 Jul 1 – 2021 Jun 30 Advocacy for safe and effective immunotherapies for patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Investigating existing and novel immunotherapies for myasthenia gravis and immune neuropathies has been a key component of my academic activities. I began by participating in data collection and analysis in large multi-centre and local investigator initiated studies of IVIG and plasmapheresis for myasthenia gravis and CIDP as a fellow. This led to participation in an expert review of IVIG for neuromuscular conditions, site investigator in a study on steroids in ocular MG, principle investigator in investigating a. novel formulation of high dose subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) for MMN, and beginning to work with national and international immune neuromuscular patient groups and investigator collaboratives, all while associate professor.
This groundwork in clinical trials and investigation has now built upon with the following activities, all related to advocacy for safe and effective immunotherapy for neuromuscular disease:
– Experience in clinical trial design given involvement in planning and being representing coordinating investigator for a multi-centre study of multiple doses of IVIG (ProCID study) for CIDP and in clinical trial design for a study of IVIG in dermatomyositis (ProDerm study) as well as invitation for clinical trial design for novel Fc receptor agents (UCB Rozalinolixizumab program)
– Membership in the Inflammatory Neuropathy Consortium branch of the Peripheral Nerve Society, where I have participated as a co-investigator in the:
o International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) evaluating natural history as well as effects of dual IVIG dose in patients with poor predictive factors
o Peripheral Neuropathy Outcome Measures Standardization Study (PERINOMS) evaluating optimal methods to follow patients with inflammatory neuropathy
– Leader in the field studying out-of-hospital immunoglobulin infusion including home IVIG and subcutaneous immunoglobulin, outpatient plasmapheresis, leading and participating in multiple clinical trials, studying nursing aspects and advocating for patient centered treatments along with patient groups (MG Society of Canada, MG Foundation of America, CIDP/GBS Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Canada), industry and government (Canadian Blood Services).
– Drug safety for existing and novel neuromuscular medications as well as neuromuscular effects of other immune diseases and immunotherapies. Including:
o Member of 3 data safety monitoring boards (DSMB) for IVIG and novel Fc receptor including a chair position, all leading to invitation to the 5 member Global Overarching Rozalinolixizumab Safety Medical Advisory Board, overseeing safety of drug across disease indications
o Invitation to the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) of Canada, reviewing vaccine injuries including GBS and other neuromuscular conditions
o Member of national (CanCOV, Canadian National COVID Outcome Study) and international (CVT COVID Initiative) studying effects of COVID and COVID vaccine injury
– Currently site-investigator for multiple phase II and III studies evaluating Fc-inhibitor and complement therapies for MG and CIDP, as well as site-PI for new studies evaluating Fc-inhibitors in MMN and novel immunotherapy in GBS. On steering committee investigating new formulations of SCIG for CIDP (Octapharma).
– In addition to participating in reviews for novel immunotherapies for the Canadian Drug and Therapeutics (CADTH) commission, I have served as an ad-hoc member of the National Advisory Centre for Immunotherapy (NACI), ensuring adequate supply of immunoglobulin for neuromuscular.
One of the highest impact activities to date has been sharing my and our group’s experience with novel immunotherapies in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases including immune neuropathies and myasthenia. This includes dissemination through rounds as stated above in the neurodiagnostic section. In addition, rounds and symposia directly related to subcutaneous immunoglobulin has occurred at symposia including International Congress of Neuromuscular Diseases (ICNMD) in Vienna, Austria and multi-disciplinary meetings such as the Congress of Transfusion Medicine Specialists of Canada (CSTM).
I have been part of national information sessions through Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation Annual Meeting, GBS/CIDP Foundation Canada on vaccine safety as it relates to immune neuromuscular syndromes. My work with the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) and International Cerebrovascular Stroke Program (ICSP) have raised awareness of real adverse immune related vaccine effects for clinicians and patients to be aware of during vaccination programs and have written editorials for the CJNS on GBS post-vaccination which aims to untangle complex issues relating to adverse event monitoring. I presented this work recently through an invited lecture at the Canadian Congress of Neurological Sciences in June 2022.
In addition to disseminating information on immunoglobulin and novel immunotherapy, I have been involved in disseminating information on another technique used in management of immune neuromuscular conditions given my experience through clinical trials and clinical management in this topic through grand rounds invitation at Columbia University of this topic and a special symposium at the Peripheral Nerve Society in Sitges, Spain.