Grifols, a global healthcare company and producer of plasma-derived medicines, has shared positive results from its phase 2/3 clinical trial (NCT02176863) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Grifols intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to treat patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS), demonstrating a significant improvement in distance walked compared to placebo.

PPS can emerge decades after an initial polio infection. Symptoms – including chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, persistent and progressive muscle weakness and atrophy – typically develop 30 to 40 years after the initial paralytic attack and tend to worsen over time. Muscle deterioration can lead to functional decline and impaired mobility, limiting patient autonomy and significantly impacting quality of life.

Currently, there are no medications indicated for the syndrome, and therapies are limited to supportive measures such as orthoses and other assistive devices, as well as symptom management.

Grifols’ study found that monthly IVIG infusions of 1g/kg significantly improved physical performance in PPS patients, as measured by the two-minute walk distance (2MWD) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) after one year of treatment.

Furthermore, the treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated with a similar safety profile to that of IVIG administration in other indications.

“These results show a meaningful physical accomplishment, providing patients with more freedom of movement and the ability to be more self-reliant,” said Dr. Jörg Schüttrumpf, Grifols Chief Scientific Innovation Officer. “Grifols is committed to increasing the range of indications of its plasma-derived medicines and other biopharmaceuticals to benefit more patients globally and make a real positive difference in their lives.”