In a big year for rare disease, experts examine key developments in myositis research at MyoCon 2026

From AI-assisted research and emerging cell therapies to a new drug approval, The Myositis Association's global conference takes stock of the latest science

ST. LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- MyoCon 2026, The Myositis Association (TMA)’s global patient conference, will highlight new clinical trial results and research in myositis, offering a firsthand look at the progress being made to better understand and treat this rare group of autoimmune diseases.

Held September 24–27 in St. Louis, the annual meeting offers a place for people living with myositis and their families to connect with experts, hear about the latest research and share strategies for managing myositis, which involves chronic muscle inflammation often accompanied by symptoms such as pain, fatigue and trouble swallowing.

“It’s an exciting time for myositis research, with new therapies advancing through clinical development and researchers gaining a deeper understanding of the biology involved in the various forms of myositis,” said Paula Eichenbrenner, executive director of TMA. “At MyoCon 2026, we’ll not only discuss the recent advances but also take a look at some of the challenges and hear from people who have participated in clinical trials.”

New directions in myositis research
After years of limited treatment options, the myositis treatment landscape is changing, with a newly approved oral therapy for dermatomyositis and a growing number of treatments advancing through clinical trials.

This year’s MyoCon will help put these advances in context as leading researchers from around the world discuss the current state of myositis studies and what may be on the horizon.

People who have participated in clinical trials will also share their real-world experiences and insights, helping the community better understand both the promise and the challenges of emerging therapies.

Sessions from the meeting include:
• Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Myositis and Rare Disease - AI is opening new possibilities in myositis research and care, but it also raises important questions. Latika Gupta, MD, and Jennifer Swisher, PA-C, will explore the promise and the practical considerations of emerging AI applications.

• The Evolving Landscape of Cellular Therapies for Myositis (sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, Cabaletta Bio and Nkarta) – CAR T-cell and CAR natural killer (NK) cell therapies are among the emerging approaches being studied for myositis. A physician panel will discuss these and other cell therapies, covering the balance of risks and benefits and ongoing clinical trials. They’ll also explore combination approaches and potential directions for future treatments.

• Real Talk on Myositis Studies from Clinical Trial Participants (sponsored by AstraZeneca) – Clinical trials can be a vital path to new treatments, but they also come with unique challenges. A panel of clinical trial participants will provide a valuable look at the realities of taking part in research.

• Pain in Myositis: What We Know, What We’re Still Learning (sponsored by Pfizer) – Pain is a common part of living with myositis, but there’s still much to learn about it. Didem Saygin, MD, director of the myositis program at the Division of Rheumatology at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, will discuss new insights into myositis-related pain, including what may cause it and how it can be measured.

• Precision Medicine in Myositis: Using Autoantibodies and Blood Biomarkers to Personalize Care - Personalized care starts with better information. Julio Huapaya, MD, a pulmonologist and critical care physician at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, will talk about how biomarkers and autoantibodies could help physicians provide care that is tailored to the needs of individuals living with myositis.

• Clinical Trials in Myositis: From Trial Design to Results - Julie Paik, MD, MHS, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center, will discuss myositis clinical trials, including how they are designed, how results are evaluated and some of the latest findings. The center maintains a cohort of people with myositis that supports research into the disease and its treatment.

Attending the conference
MyoCon 2026 registration information: https://www.myositis.org/myositis-conference/registration/

For more information or to obtain a press pass, please contact media@myositis.org.

About The Myositis Association
The Myositis Association is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by myositis through education, support, advocacy and research. TMA is committed to fostering a sense of community that empowers individuals to live their best life. https://www.myositis.org/

About Myositis
Myositis, also known as inflammatory idiopathic myopathy, is a set of autoimmune diseases involving chronic inflammation of the muscles. This inflammation often occurs together with other symptoms, such as pain, fatigue and trouble swallowing.

Myositis is a rare disease with various forms, including antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS), dermatomyositis (DM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), juvenile forms of myositis (JM) and polymyositis (PM). Although there are currently no cures for any of the forms, medications and exercises can help with symptom management, and new treatments are under development. www.myositis.org/about-myositis/

Anne Johnson
media@myositis.org
The Myositis Association
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