- Antibody fragment
An antibody fragment is only part of a whole antibody. For example, the bottom section of the Y-shaped antibody is a fragment. - Autoimmune
Autoimmune means that the immune system, which normally protects you, is mistakenly attacking healthy cells. - Biologics
Biologics treat disease by using substances made from living organisms. These substances may naturally occur in the body or may be artificially created. A biologic must be approved by the FDA to be used as a treatment in the United States. - CIDP
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a rare autoimmune condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. The condition affects how nerve signals travel between the brain and the body and can lead to symptoms like weakness in upper and/or lower limbs, heaviness in legs, loss of balance and/or coordination, tingling and/or numbness, fatigue, and pain. - FcRn receptor
A neonatal Fc receptor attaches to IgG antibodies and helps them stay in the body longer. - Harmful IgG antibody
Harmful IgG antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that are mistakenly made by the immune system. Although the complete cause of CIDP is not fully understood, recent studies suggest that, in some people, harmful IgG antibodies may be involved in damaging myelin. Damage to myelin is why some people experience CIDP symptoms. - IgG antibody
Immunoglobulin G antibodies are Y-shaped proteins made by the immune system. Antibodies attach to different things to let the immune system know that there is a potential threat that it will need to destroy or neutralize. - INCAT
The Inflammatory Neuropathy Causes and Treatment is an assessment tool that healthcare professionals use to measure the impact of CIDP on daily arm and leg function. There is also an “adjusted” INCAT tool, which is identical to the INCAT, but smaller changes in upper limb function are excluded. - IV infusion
An intravenous infusion is when a medical treatment is delivered through your vein, using a needle to help insert a small tube. - I-RODS
The Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale is an assessment tool used to measure limitations to your daily abilities and social participation. - IVIg
Intravenous immunoglobulin contains naturally occurring antibodies obtained from healthy volunteers. IVIg is given through a vein. - Myelin
A protective coating around nerves that helps electrical signals between the brain and body travel efficiently. - Placebo
An inactive substance used in a study that looks like the medicine being tested. - Plasma
Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. This substance carries platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells around the body. It contains antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, which fight infection. - PLEX
Plasma exchange is a process by which some of the patient’s blood is removed and filtered, and then the blood cells are returned without the liquid plasma portion of the patient’s blood. It may work by removing harmful antibodies contained in the plasma. - Prefilled syringe
A prefilled syringe is a syringe that has a specific amount of medicine inside it, meaning you don’t have to measure the medicine or fill the syringe yourself. - SCIg
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin contains naturally occurring antibodies obtained from healthy volunteers. SCIg is given as an infusion, slowly injecting purified immunoglobulin into the fatty tissue beneath the skin to boost the immune system. - Self-injection
A self-injection is when you give yourself a dose of medicine with a needle and syringe. It can be done at home, without needing to visit a healthcare provider. - Specialty pharmacy
A specialty pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that provides medications that may not be available at standard pharmacies. These medications often require special handling, storage, or administration. Specialty pharmacies may also provide trainings on how to take medications and may provide help with navigating insurance or financial needs. - Study
A study, also known as a clinical trial, is a type of research that tests the safety and effectiveness of a treatment in people. The FDA reviews the results of studies to determine if a treatment is safe and effective for use in a specific condition. - Subcutaneous injection
Given by delivering medicine into the layer beneath the skin.