Abatacept for treating idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Abatacept is currently in clinical development for the treatment of adult patients with Idiopathic
inflammatory myopathies (IIM). IIMs are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions characterised
by muscle inflammation, leading to weakness which has a significant impact on patients’ mobility
and quality of life, and can affect patients of all ages. The severity and symptoms of IIMs vary
from person to person. Patients may experience trips and falls and be very tired after walking or
standing. Damage to muscle and joints in IIM, can lead to disability and other complications
including breathing and swallowing difficulties, cardiovascular disease, and infections. Many
patients have symptoms despite using current standard treatments, hence the need for more
effective and less-toxic therapies.