An article in Globe Newswire described dermatomyositis (DM) as a rare disease that involves a unique skin rash and muscle weakness. Currently doctors are relying on traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (tDMARDs) as a standard of care.
In severe cases, or those that do not respond to treatment, immunoglobulin or off label biologics are used which confirms the need for therapeutic alternatives in treating the condition. Note that about 25% of people with ADM are misdiagnosed or considered to have an entirely different disease.
Meeting an Unmet Need
Spherix Global, a leading advisory organization, requested an evaluation from 102 dermatologists and rheumatologists of current therapeutics, quality of care, and their opinion of the potential for pipeline therapies for DM. The study revealed that there is a need for an alternative to steroid medication to treat dermatomyositis (DM).
DM is a rare disorder that causes muscle inflammation, swelling, and a distinct skin rash. There are several subtypes. The characteristics of the classic inflammatory type are muscle weakness and a unique skin rash. Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) is a subtype of DM that involves skin symptoms without muscle weakness.
The specialists involved in the study reported that more than half of DM patients were not being fully managed. The most frequent first-line DM therapies prescribed by physicians were corticosteroids followed by tDMARDs including immunoglobulin or off label biologics. Since the aforementioned study was released, a shift in treatment approaches has occurred. Over half the dermatologists and rheumatologists have reported changes in managing DM.
The change in management translates to more patient visits, using immunoglobulin earlier after diagnosis, increased use of off-label advanced therapies with the intent of a reduction in steroid dependence. Many physicians who responded to the study suggested that many DM patients would quality for treatment with the new systemic therapies if they are approved.
The soon to be tested therapies offer subcutaneous injections, thus eliminating reliance on IV access.
Spherix intends to continue it monitoring of inflammatory myopathies during 2025 and will be tracking the launch of Hizentra for treatment of DM and subtypes if it is approved by the FDA.
