Myositis refers to a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. The most common forms are dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, but many people continue to experience weakness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing targeted biologics like abatacept and inebilizumab that block specific immune pathways, JAK inhibitors taken as pills, and intravenous immunoglobulin protocols. Researchers are also studying drugs that target the interferon pathway, which appears overactive in dermatomyositis, and testing treatments specifically for inclusion body myositis, which has had no approved therapies.
Biologics for dermatomyositis
Several targeted antibody drugs are showing promise for skin and muscle symptoms in dermatomyositis. These include drugs that block B cells, interferon, and other immune signals.
Inclusion body myositis treatments
This slowly progressive form has had no effective treatments until now. Trials are testing drugs that modify how muscle cells handle abnormal proteins and clear cellular debris.
Biomarker-guided treatment
Different myositis autoantibodies predict different disease patterns and drug responses. Trials are testing whether matching treatment to antibody type improves outcomes.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on myositis subtype, disease activity level, muscle strength measures, autoantibody status, and which medications you've tried previously.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic drug trials — Testing antibody drugs that target specific immune cells or signaling proteins involved in muscle inflammation.
- Inclusion body myositis trials — Studies focused specifically on this progressive form, testing drugs that address protein buildup and muscle cell function.
- Steroid-sparing trials — Testing drugs that might control myositis while allowing people to reduce or stop corticosteroids and avoid their side effects.
- Immunoglobulin studies — Testing intravenous immunoglobulin, which some people with myositis receive regularly, to establish optimal dosing and identify who benefits most.
- Observational registries — Long-term studies following people with myositis to understand disease patterns, treatment responses, and outcomes across different subtypes.
Recently added Myositis trials
Complete imaging scans to help diagnose swallowing problems
This study will evaluate whether neuromuscular ultrasound and MRI can be used as imaging markers of bulbar involvement and swallowing dysfunction in individuals with inclusion body myositis (IBM). Researchers will compare imaging and clinical findings in participants with IBM with those in participants with other myopathies, ALS, PLS, and healthy volunteers. The study is a one-time visit. Study procedures may include neurological assessments, swallowing questionnaires, tongue strength testing, neuromuscular ultrasound, and MRI. The goal is to identify more sensitive and objective ways to assess bulbar dysfunction biomarkers.
Take an experimental immune therapy for autoimmune disease
The primary objectives of this trial are to evaluate the safety and tolerability and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended Phase 2 dose of FT839 with or without rituximab and/or background therapy and/or conditioning therapy.
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