Polymyositis (PM)

Research

MDA-supported scientists are studying the underlying mechanisms that cause inflammatory myopathies, the group of diseases to which polymyositis (PM) belongs. Understanding precisely why and how the immune system attacks muscle tissue in PM will likely lead to better treatments for the disease.

One research team is studying inflammatory myopathies in dogs. These diseases appear to be similar in dogs and humans, and it is believed that this project may generate deeper understanding of human PM, and lead to new tools for diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, many clinical trials are being conducted in PM.

For more about research in and medical management of PM, see:

• Putting Out the Fire;
• New Directions: Can an immune response be rerouted to treat disease?; and
• Not Always Smooth Sailing: Charting a corticosteroid course.