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Vascular Occlusion Training for Inclusion Body Myositis: A Novel Therapeutic Approach
Published on: June 5, 2010
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Biologics for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Siamak Moghadam-Kia1, Rohit Aggarwal, Chester V Oddis
1aDivision of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Myositis Center bVA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|August 18, 2017
Summary
Novel biologics show promise for treating refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). While rituximab did not meet primary trial goals, it offered benefits and a steroid-sparing effect in IIM patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) present treatment challenges, particularly in refractory cases.
- Interest is growing in novel biologic therapies targeting IIM pathogenesis pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of novel biologics in treating refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
- To assess current and emerging therapeutic strategies for IIM.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for rituximab in adult and juvenile IIM.
- Analysis of case series and literature for other novel biologics (tocilizumab, abatacept, sifalimumab, ruxolitinib).
Main Results:
- Rituximab, in the largest IIM trial, did not meet its primary outcome but showed significant glucocorticoid-sparing effects and improvement in 83% of refractory patients.
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents have limited efficacy and potential risks in IIM.
Conclusions:
- Newer therapies like tocilizumab, abatacept, sifalimumab, and ruxolitinib warrant further investigation due to biological rationale and preliminary positive results.
- Future IIM trials should incorporate biomarker targeting, predictive response factors, updated classification, and data-driven response criteria.
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