FAQ: What Are the Key Unmet Needs in the Treatment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies?

In this rheumatology FAQ, host Audrey Gibson, PA-C from the Arthritis Center of North Georgia in Gainesville, Georgia, discusses the key unmet needs in the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including myositis, dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and other rare inflammatory muscle diseases. These complex, heterogeneous autoimmune conditions can be difficult to diagnose and manage, often leading to delayed diagnosis, ongoing muscle weakness, disability, treatment toxicity, and gaps in long-term disease control. This episode explores why earlier recognition, better biomarkers, improved risk stratification, standardized treatment algorithms, steroid-sparing therapies, and more targeted treatment options are urgently needed in myositis care. Audrey also reviews how antibody profiles, such as anti-Mi-2, anti-SRP, and anti-MDA5, can influence prognosis and treatment decisions, while highlighting emerging therapeutic approaches including IVIG, rituximab, mycophenolate, JAK inhibitors, FcRn inhibitors, interferon pathway inhibition, and complement-targeted therapies.Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers and clinicians caring for patients with autoimmune muscle disease, this discussion emphasizes the important role APPs play in identifying subtle disease progression, coordinating multidisciplinary care, monitoring medication toxicity, educating patients, and translating evolving myositis research into practical patient care. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit the RhAPP content rheum, RhAPP ACE app, or RhAPP website.