Purpose of review
This review provides an overview of the management and treatment landscape of inclusion body myositis (IBM), while highlighting the current challenges and future directions.
Recent findings
IBM is a slowly progressive myopathy that predominantly affects patients over the age of 40, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, a definitive cure for IBM remains elusive. Various clinical trials targeting inflammatory and some of the noninflammatory pathways have failed. The search for effective disease-modifying treatments faces numerous hurdles including variability in presentation, diagnostic challenges, poor understanding of pathogenesis, scarcity of disease models, a lack of validated outcome measures, and challenges related to clinical trial design. Close monitoring of swallowing and respiratory function, adapting an exercise routine, and addressing mobility issues are the mainstay of management at this time.
Summary
Patients with IBM and the medical community face numerous challenges in terms of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the adoption of innovative research strategies. By understanding and addressing these hurdles, researchers and medical professionals can strive towards improving the management and treatment of IBM enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.