We've Got the Nerve to Ask: Can CIDP Control Be Redefined ?

CIDP is a chronic, rare, autoimmune neurological condition where the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of peripheral nerves disrupting communication with muscles, especially in the hands or feet, and causing progressive muscle weakness, sensory loss, impaired function, and pain (Querol, 2020; GBS|CIDP, 2024). 

The challenge of advancing CIDP care extends far beyond initial diagnosis and treatment initiation. The median time to accurate diagnosis is seven months (Arvin-Berod, 2026)—each delay allowing irreversible nerve damage to accumulate unchecked. Even after diagnosis and treatment begins, many patients face an incomplete picture of disease control and one in three people do not adequately respond to standard-of care-therapies or may require multiple therapies (Cocito, 2010). In fact, even with those who do respond, 70 percent still only have a partial or inadequate response to treatment – leaving a gap for people living with CIDP in terms of symptom management and risk for persistent disability and ongoing disease burden (Mair, 2025). 

This gap between disease control and what patients experience in their daily lives can be profound. Disability scales and impairment measures remain valuable, but they often miss the full burden of disease—fatigue, dexterity challenges, endurance limitations, pain, and day-to-day participation in activities that define quality of life (Mair, 2025; Querol, 2025). Current assessment tools focus on clinical outcomes rather than the nuances that matter most to people living with CIDP.  

Further, current CIDP management may be burdensome and may not address the needs of every person living with CIDP. There is also ongoing research into “biomarkers” – or lab tests, scans and other physician clues that help to track disease progression and management (Querol, 2025b). In addition, there is an increased importance on common language and terminology for both physicians and patients to use along with clinical tools like the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score to help better shape discussions around diagnosis, treatment management and overall care (Arvin-Berod, 2026). Coupled with the understanding that early intervention, on-going monitoring and appropriate treatment might prevent further irreversible damage and allow for preserved function is driving a sense of urgency. 

For the neuromuscular community, this represents a critical moment: the recognition that clinical stability alone is an incomplete measure of appropriate care and advancing CIDP management requires a more comprehensive approach to functional outcomes and disability prevention. Together, we have a common goal to preserve long-term function and deliver meaningful reduction of disability accumulation for the many who are still living and struggling day-to-day with CIDP and its impact. For us to truly advance care, there is more research and understanding that needs to happen.

Ongoing research is helping us to understand more about the biology of CIDP. CIDP is immunologically heterogeneous—differences in immune mechanisms help explain why the disease might look different, be more severe, or why some people might respond to certain treatment versus others (Arvin-Berod, 2026). This understanding is driving growing interest in mechanism-targeted therapeutic approaches that may address specific aspects of immune dysregulation that cause CIDP and its symptoms rather than relying solely on broad immunosuppression with current standard therapies. 

Current and growing evidence highlights the complement system's crucial role in CIDP disease and progression. Complement activation initiates a cascade of inflammatory events that drive both demyelination and axonal nerve damage—key drivers of irreversible injury and functional decline (Querol, 2025b; McCoy 2026). This understanding has opened a new area of scientific inquiry: researchers are investigating whether targeted complement inhibition may offer a mechanism-specific approach to addressing disease progression in CIDP (McDermid, 2024). 

The next phase of progress in CIDP will emerge from a combination of factors: earlier recognition of ongoing symptoms and disease progression; more precise patient classification; evolved measurement, data collection and shared language that captures functional outcomes and the patient experience; and continued research into new therapeutic approaches for people living with CIDP whose disease remains inadequately controlled. 

The most productive path forward balances optimism with rigor and continues to build on the foundation that new and ongoing research is demonstrating with smarter science and focus on patient-centered care.  

Our deep neuroimmunology experience and expertise means ‘we have the nerve’ to tackle complex conditions, like CIDP. We continue to invest in research to advance scientific understanding and explore new therapeutic approaches for people who might have run out of options. Our long-standing legacy is built on a strong foundation of rigorously researched science and long-term partnerships working with the community—clinicians, researchers, industry, and patient advocates—to drive deeper understanding of this not-one-size-fits-all disease. Sanofi is committed to advancing research that could help make long-term functional preservation and meaningful disability reduction achievable goals for people living with CIDP.