Novel Insights into the Use of Biologicals in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Abstract

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a set of autoimmune disorders characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness, as well as a variety of extra-muscular presentations. IIMs are remarkably complex and difficult to treat, and glucocorticoid treatment and synthetic immunosuppressants are frequently ineffective. The pathophysiology of IIM has been linked to defects in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Multiple prospective targets for biologic therapy have been studied because of a greater understanding of the main cytokines, as well as the cell-mediated and antibody effectors of disease. B-cell depletion with rituximab, as well as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and other biologic treatments, is among the most extensively studied drug in IIM. There is currently no straightforward way to define all of the pharmaceuticals that are classified as biologics. This group of drugs has gained a lot of interest in the recent era for the treatment of various autoimmune and skeletal muscle disorders. This chapter shall address the mechanism of action, side effects, uses, and scope of biologics used in treatment of IIM.