In This Issue:

-IVIG Protocols: Data-Driven Strategies for Optimal JDM Treatment Outcomes

-JAK Case Studies in Dermatomyositis and Juvenile Myositis

-Research Insights: Exercise and Supplementation as Therapeutic Approaches for JDM

-Tapering: Considerations in Managing JDM Treatment



-Advancements in CAR-NK Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases

-Join Us at the Cure JM Family Conference

Biorepository Samples Are Available

A reminder that there are several biorepositories that store biological specimens and data used for approved research studies to researchers.  

For more information, contact Cure JM CSO Andrew Heaton, Ph.D., at andrew.heaton@curejm.org

Recently, the Cure JM Clinical Care Network hosted its January virtual event, Juvenile Myositis Clinical Care Summit, with leading researchers and clinicians sharing best practices to help providers diagnose, treat, and care for juvenile myositis patients.

We are pleased to share each presentation and the outcomes below. To review the full session recap, click here.

About this session:

Dr. Rohit Aggarwal from the University of Pittsburgh Myositis Center presented an essential session on lessons learned from IVIG RCT in adult dermatomyositis and how it could be applied to the use of IVIG for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). This session explored data-driven strategies that enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient outcomes, and minimize risks associated with IVIG therapy in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover evidence-based IVIG dosing protocols and timing strategies for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
• Understand patient selection criteria for IVIG and how to monitor for effectiveness and side effects.
• Review case studies that illustrate the impact of personalized IVIG protocols on disease activity and long-term outcomes.



This session is designed for clinicians looking to refine their approach to idiopathic inflammatory myopathies management using IVIG, with practical insights into achieving optimal results through tailored, data-driven protocols.

About Dr. Aggarwal:

Dr. Aggarwal is a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and medical director of the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is the co-director of UPMC Myositis Center. His research and clinical areas of interest are clinical and translational research in inflammatory muscle diseases (myositis) and associated interstitial lung disease. Dr. Aggarwal is an established independent clinical investigator with significant funding from NIH, foundations, and industry and is currently leading several collaborations internationally with other key leaders in the world. He continues to be a leader in disease criteria and outcome measures in myositis as well as in clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents for myositis.

Dr. Aggarwal completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and his medical degree at the University College of Medical Sciences.

About this session:

Dr. Paik dove into real-world applications of JAK inhibitors in treating dermatomyositis. This session featured in-depth case studies that showcased the potential and challenges of JAKi therapy for complex autoimmune muscle diseases.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore case studies illustrating the impact of JAK inhibitors on disease progression and symptom management.
• Understand patient selection criteria for JAK treatment and monitoring strategies for optimal outcomes.
• Learn about potential side effects, mitigation strategies, and best practices from clinical experience.



This session is ideal for healthcare professionals seeking practical insights and a deeper understanding of JAK inhibitors’ role in managing myositis. View this presentation to enhance your approach to treating dermatomyositis and juvenile myositis with cutting-edge, targeted therapies.

About Dr. Paik:

Dr. Julie Paik is the Co-Director of the Myositis Center and an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology. 

Dr. Paik specializes in the treatment and study of myositis and related autoimmune muscle diseases, including leading-edge research with JAK inhibitors. Her research and clinical work address the full spectrum of myositis care, from diagnosis to advanced treatment approaches. 

Dr. Paik’s research with JAK inhibitors reflects a critical focus within myositis treatment strategies, as these inhibitors hold promise by modulating specific immune pathways responsible for inflammation. This area of study is particularly valuable for advancing therapeutic options for patients with myositis who may not respond adequately to traditional treatments. Dr. Paik’s work continues to contribute substantially to the evolving landscape of myositis care.  

She completed her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree at George Washington University School of Medicine. After that, Dr. Paik pursued her internal medicine residency at UCLA-Cedars-Sinai/West LA VA Medical Center, where she served an additional year as chief resident. She then completed fellowship training in rheumatology at Johns Hopkins and then transitioned to the faculty as a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center.

About this session:

Explore groundbreaking research on exercise and supplementation as therapeutic strategies for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with Dr. Brian Feldman of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Funded by the Cure JM Foundation, Dr. Feldman’s study provides valuable insights into how these non-pharmacological approaches can support disease management and improve quality of life for juvenile myositis patients.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover evidence supporting exercise as a safe and potentially effective treatment component for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
• Learn about the role of specific supplements in managing idiopathic inflammatory myopathies symptoms and enhancing patient outcomes.
• Review findings from Dr. Feldman’s study, including practical applications for integrating exercise and supplementation into treatment plans.



This session is perfect for clinicians seeking to expand their therapeutic toolkit for juvenile myositis beyond traditional medications. You will gain research-backed insights into holistic strategies for optimizing juvenile myositis care.

About Dr. Feldman:

Dr. Brian Feldman is a Professor of Pediatrics and Division Head of Rheumatology at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, as well as the Chair of Cure JM’s Medical Advisory Board.

A pioneer in childhood rheumatic disease research, Dr. Feldman has developed innovative tools and methodologies for clinical studies, significantly advancing treatments for rare pediatric conditions like juvenile dermatomyositis. 

Dr. Feldman has made contributions to the understanding of the prognosis and treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis, the cost-effective prevention of arthropathy in severe hemophilia, the course and outcome of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile SLE, and the role of fitness, exercise, diet supplementation, and sleep in childhood chronic diseases including arthritis, myositis, and fibromyalgia.

Dr. Feldman’s collaborative work includes leadership roles in major research networks, including the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). Dr. Feldman earned his MD from the University of Western Ontario and his MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Toronto.

About this session:

Dr. Ardalan provided an insightful session on the art and science of tapering immunosuppressive therapies in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). This session explored approaches for tapering, integrating the latest research findings and clinical guidelines to support decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to assess disease activity in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies to determine safe tapering timelines.
• Consider strategies for balancing medication reduction with flare-up risk management.
• Gain insights into creating tailored tapering plans based on patient-specific factors.



Designed for healthcare professionals managing idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, this session provides valuable tools for optimizing treatment, reducing risks, and improving patient outcomes by pursuing individualized tapering strategies.

About Dr. Ardalan:

Dr. Kaveh Ardalan is the Co-Director of the Duke Children’s Myositis Center (Cure JM Center of Excellence). He also co-leads the Duke Pediatric Lupus Clinic. Dr. Ardalan is a distinguished expert in pediatric rheumatology with a commitment to advancing care and research for children with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. His research interests encompass mental health, cardiovascular health, patient-reported outcomes, and interventional trials in juvenile myositis and other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Dr. Ardalan’s current leadership positions include Vice Chair of the CARRA Juvenile Dermatomyositis Committee and Vice Chair of the IMACS Outcomes Assessment Scientific Interest Group. 

About this session:

Dr. Anne Stevens from Century Therapeutics, Inc., shared on the cutting-edge use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived CAR iNK (chimeric antigen receptor natural killer) therapy in treating autoimmune diseases. This session explored the latest advancements in CAR NK technology and its potential as an alternative to autologous CAR-T treatment for complex autoimmune conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights into the science behind CAR iNK engineering and its application in autoimmune disease management.
• Learn about patient eligibility and safety considerations and protocols for CAR iNK therapy.
• Review pioneering case studies demonstrating the clinical potential of CAR NK cells to target autoimmune pathways with precision.

Ideal for clinicians interested in emerging therapies, this session provides a comprehensive look at how CAR NK therapy could reshape autoimmune treatment.

About Dr. Stevens:

Dr. Anne Stevens is a distinguished physician-scientist and current executive medical director at Century Therapeutics, Inc., located in Washington and Pennsylvania, United States. 

Dr. Stevens is recognized for her expertise in the development of innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases. 

Dr. Stevens is deeply involved in advancing the development of engineered cell therapies aimed at treating cancers and complex autoimmune diseases. Her work at Century Therapeutics focuses on leveraging the power of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create next-generation therapies that can potentially transform the treatment landscape for patients with malignancies and autoimmunity.

In addition to her work in biopharmaceuticals, Dr. Stevens has made significant contributions to research in autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis, lupus, and myositis, and has a deep understanding of the translational aspects of medical science. Her combination of clinical and research experience positions her as a leader in bringing cutting-edge therapies from the lab to the clinic.

Her clinical expertise in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies has also led her to be involved in clinical trials, where she has contributed to the development of new treatment regimens, including biologic therapies aimed at better controlling the disease and reducing side effects. As part of her work, she has emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to improve long-term outcomes for children with juvenile myositis.

Dr. Stevens earned her BS in Biochemistry at UC Davis and then her MD and PhD at Baylor College of Medicine, where she studied the mechanisms of hormonal regulation of T lymphocyte activation.



She completed a residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati and a fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at the University of Washington. She is board-certified in Pediatric Rheumatology.

We are calling on interested researchers and clinicians to present and collaborate on the latest information in treating juvenile myositis at the Cure JM National Family Conference.

This is an opportunity to connect with other juvenile myositis experts while sharing vital information with patients and caregivers.

If you are interested in attending or presenting, please email James.tealy@curejm.org.

For more information on the event and agenda, visit www.curejm.org/conference..

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