Autoimmune diseases affect more than 23 million people in the U.S. alone, yet their complexity often leaves patients facing a long road to diagnosis, fragmented care, and limited treatment options. Among these conditions, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Myositis stand out—not just for their clinical burden, but for the potential they hold to shape the future of immunological science.
Accelerating clinical research for these diseases is essential—not only to improve treatment options but to ensure that patients' voices, lived experiences, and diverse needs are built into the future of autoimmune care. Here’s a closer look at why these conditions matter, what’s emerging in research, and how we can do better when it comes to clinical trial enrollment.
Epidemiology & Impact
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately affects women—about 90% of patients are female, with Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous communities experiencing higher rates and more severe disease. Lupus typically strikes in early adulthood, just as patients are finishing school, starting careers, and building families.
The disease is unpredictable, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and joint pain to organ damage. Patients often endure years of misdiagnosis before receiving appropriate care, all while managing flares and long-term side effects.
Current Treatments
The current gold standard includes corticosteroids, antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine, and immunosuppressants. Biologics such as belimumab (Benlysta) have also emerged, offering new options for those with refractory disease.
Breakthroughs Ahead
Recent breakthroughs include CAR-T cell therapy trials targeting B cells in refractory lupus, with early results showing complete remission in some patients. Leading institutions like Charité Berlin and pharmaceutical players like GSK and AstraZeneca are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Meanwhile, next-generation biologics and targeted therapies that zero in on type I interferon pathways are rapidly advancing in phase II/III trials.
Epidemiology & Impact
RA affects 1.3 million Americans, with women two to three times more likely to be diagnosed than men. It typically appears between the ages of 30 and 60 and can lead to permanent joint damage, cardiovascular complications, and severe disability if untreated. Regardless of its prevalence, RA remains an evolving field with new learnings and interventions still under research.
Current Treatments
Methotrexate remains the cornerstone of therapy, often combined with biologics like TNF inhibitors (e.g., Humira, Enbrel) or JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib and upadacitinib. These therapies have revolutionized outcomes—but not for everyone.
Breakthroughs Ahead
Research is now looking beyond symptom suppression toward disease interception. Adaptive clinical trials are exploring precision medicine approaches using biomarkers to predict treatment response. Big players like AbbVie, Pfizer, and academic centers like the Mayo Clinic are exploring microbiome-based interventions and oral BTK inhibitors as promising next-gen treatments.
Epidemiology & Impact
Myositis encompasses a group of rare diseases—such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis—characterized by inflammation of the muscles, leading to weakness, fatigue, and even difficulty swallowing or breathing. These conditions are often misdiagnosed or mistaken for aging.
Current Treatments
Steroids and immunosuppressants remain first-line therapies, but response is variable. There’s a critical need for treatments tailored to the underlying mechanisms of different subtypes.
Breakthroughs Ahead
Recent attention from the NIH’s Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Autoimmune Disease (AMP AIM) is leading to biomarker discoveries in Myositis. Pharma innovators are advancing immunoproteasome inhibitors for dermatomyositis, while antisense oligonucleotides and T-cell modulators are also gaining traction.
Autoimmune clinical trials present unique challenges:
At PatientWing, we’re committed to advancing research that brings meaningful change to patients’ lives. By supporting innovative, patient-centered studies in Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Myositis, we help ensure the science keeps pace with the need. As we spotlight these autoimmune conditions, we’re also recognizing May as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Myositis Awareness Month—a time to honor the strength of those affected, celebrate advocacy and research progress, and call for renewed urgency in bringing better treatments to market.
