💪 Updated March 2026

Myositis
Clinical Trials

Novel therapies for dermatomyositis, polymyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and inclusion body myositis are actively recruiting. Trials for myositis-associated ILD are especially active. Search below for studies near you.

100+
Myositis trials currently recruiting
$0
Cost to participants in most trials
ILD
Lung involvement trials very active
Live from ClinicalTrials.gov
Find Myositis Trials Near You

Who Is Eligible for Myositis Clinical Trials?

Myositis trials enroll across the four major subtypes: dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM). Most trials use the 2017 EULAR/ACR classification criteria. Active disease is typically defined by elevated CK, proximal muscle weakness, and/or active skin disease in DM. Myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies (MSAs and MAAs) are increasingly used for trial stratification.

What Treatments Are Being Tested?

Drug ClassHow It WorksWho It Is For
Type I interferon pathway inhibitors Block the interferon signature overactive in DM — anifrolumab and similar agents Dermatomyositis with positive interferon signature
IL-6 inhibitors Target IL-6 driving muscle inflammation and systemic features Active DM/PM with elevated inflammatory markers
JAK inhibitors Oral agents showing promising results in refractory DM and DM-ILD DM and DM-ILD, often refractory to standard therapy
Anti-FcRn agents Block IgG recycling, reducing pathogenic autoantibody levels rapidly IMNM and MDA5-positive DM with ILD
IVIG and IVIG alternatives High-dose immunoglobulin for acute muscle disease — newer SC formulations in trials Active DM/PM/IMNM with significant weakness

What to Expect as a Trial Participant

Myositis trials measure muscle strength using manual muscle testing (MMT8), CK levels, and patient-reported function. DM trials also assess skin disease using the CDASI. ILD trials include pulmonary function tests and HRCT.

Related Tool
2017 EULAR/ACR Myositis Classification Calculator
Check whether your symptoms meet the formal criteria for inflammatory myositis — the same criteria trial coordinators use to confirm eligibility.
Open Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Adults with confirmed inflammatory myositis per 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria with active disease are the core population. Most trials enroll specific subtypes — DM, PM, IMNM, or IBM. Active disease is typically defined by elevated CK, proximal weakness, or active DM skin findings. The trial coordinator will determine which subtype category you fall into.
Yes. DM is the most actively researched myositis subtype. Trials are testing type I interferon inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and IL-6 pathway agents specifically for DM. Some trials stratify by MSA antibody status, particularly anti-MDA5 (associated with ILD) and anti-NXP2.
Yes, and this is one of the most active research areas. Myositis-ILD — particularly in anti-Jo-1, anti-MDA5, and anti-PL-7 positive patients — has dedicated trials. These require HRCT-confirmed ILD and spirometry. Early enrollment in ILD trials may prevent progression.
Yes, though IBM has historically had limited treatment options. Several trials are testing bimagrumab (anti-myostatin), follistatin gene therapy, and other agents specifically for IBM. IBM trials are distinct from DM/PM trials.
Often yes. Many trials are add-on studies where you continue stable background therapy (azathioprine, mycophenolate, or methotrexate) and add the investigational agent. Some trials require stable dosing for a set period before enrollment.
Primary outcomes include MMT8 (manual muscle testing), Total Improvement Score (TIS), CK normalization, and patient-reported function. DM trials also measure skin disease using the CDASI. ILD trials measure FVC change as the primary endpoint.

Other Rheumatology Trials

Trial data sourced live from ClinicalTrials.gov. Content reviewed by Mahiar Rabie, MS, MD. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Eligibility for any specific trial must be confirmed with the trial coordinator.