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Past, Present, and Future in Dermatomyositis Therapeutics

  • Other CTD: Inflammatory Myopathies and Sjogren's (I Pinal-Fernández, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Rheumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

This review highlights past, present, and future pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of dermatomyositis (DM). Current clinical evidence, in addition to recently published and ongoing clinical trials for various drugs in development, is summarized in this review.

Recent findings

Significant advancements have been made in the research and development of potential treatments for DM. The FDA recently approved Octagam® 10% Immune Globulin Intravenous (IVIg) for the treatment of DM. Several drug targets are being explored as viable therapeutic options in phase 2/3 clinical trials, with JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib and baricitinib) and T-cell costimulation blockers (i.e., abatacept) remaining at the forefront. In addition, clinical trials are currently underway for therapeutics targeting novel molecular pathways, including immunoproteasome inhibitors, anti-B cell therapy, anti-interferon drugs, complement inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors.

Summary

With the large number of clinical trials, multiple novel therapeutics in development, and improved classification and outcome measures, the treatment landscape for DM will continue to rapidly evolve in the coming years as more options become available.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord, Center Tower, Suite 4500, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    Melody P. Chung MD, MS & Julie J. Paik MD, MHS

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  1. Melody P. Chung MD, MS
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Correspondence to Julie J. Paik MD, MHS.

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J. J. P. is supported in part by K23AR073927. J. J. P. has received clinical trial support from Pfizer and Kezar Inc., Advisory board and consulting fees from Pfizer, Kezar, EMD Serono, Roivant, Guidepoint Consulting.

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Chung, M.P., Paik, J.J. Past, Present, and Future in Dermatomyositis Therapeutics. Curr Treat Options in Rheum 8, 71–90 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40674-022-00193-6

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