On April 4, 2025, the IgG4ward! Foundation hosted a powerful Fireside Chat to celebrate a historic milestone — the FDA’s approval of Uplizna® (Inebilizumab) as the first treatment developed specifically for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

This webinar features:
✅ The announcement of FDA approval for Uplizna®
✅ A powerful patient story from William Joy, the first known person to receive B-cell therapy for IgG4-RD
✅ Insights from Dr. John Stone
✅ Announcements from the IgG4ward! Foundation — including upcoming events and a future JAM announcement
✅ A message of HOPE for patients, caregivers and clinicians alike

What Is IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD)?

IgG4-RD is a chronic, immune-mediated condition that can cause inflammation and damage in multiple organs. Diagnosis is often delayed and treatments have historically relied on steroids and off label mediations — until now.

A Historic First

Uplizna® is now FDA-approved for the treatment of IgG4-RD, based on results from the Mitigate Trial. This marks a turning point in how this rare disease is treated and recognized by the medical world.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to “Hope Is Here”
01:30 – A Historic Day for IgG4-RD
02:00 – Why April 4 Matters: IgG4-RD Awareness Day
03:10 – Breaking News: FDA Approves Uplizna for IgG4-RD
05:20 – Mitigate Trial Results: What the Data Shows
07:00 – What This Means for Patients and Caregivers
08:00 – Katharine’s Reaction as a Caregiver
09:15 – The Power of a Drug Made Specifically for IgG4-RD
10:30 – Announcing Our May 2 Caregiver Conversation
11:30 – Measles Immunity Guidance for Patients
13:30 – Save the Date: The Patient JAM 2025 Preview
14:15 – Honoring the First Patient: Interview Introduction
15:30 – William Joy’s Journey: Sinus Issues to Misdiagnosis
17:00 – Living with Prednisone and Misdiagnosis of Cancer
19:20 – “We Made a Mistake”: Misdiagnosis Revealed
21:00 – A Turning Point: Meeting Dr. Stone’s Team
23:00 – Diagnosis of IgG4-RD and First B-cell Treatment
25:30 – Rituximab Results: Life Back in Just Weeks
27:30 – Life After Treatment: Long-Term Remission
29:00 – From Pain to Peace: Living Without Prednisone
30:00 – Interview Epilogue: What Has Changed
31:30 – Ether Dome History & Medical Milestones
33:00 – How William’s Story Could Look Different Today
34:30 – Dr. Stone on What Gives Him Hope
36:00 – Looking Ahead: What’s Next for IgG4-RD
37:30 – Final Reflections from the IgG4ward! Team
39:00 – Where to Learn More & Get Involved