January 15, 2026
In January, the Cure JM Clinical Care Network was pleased to invite juvenile dermatomyositis healthcare professionals to join us virtually for the latest presentations from world-leading researchers and clinicians on advancements in basic research, translational studies, and best-practice clinical care in juvenile dermatomyositis.
This event featured sessions on various topics, with the primary goal of enhancing the overall patient and provider experience through collaboration and sharing of best practices.
Intended Audience:
- Any clinician or researcher interested in IIM research or care
- Pediatric and adult rheumatologists, dermatologists, and immunologists
- Residents and fellows
- Professors dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and related fields of study
- HCPs who treat autoimmune conditions in adults or juveniles
- Industry representatives
We are pleased to share each presentation and outcomes from each session below:
Introduction – Welcome and introductory comments Dr. Andrew Heaton, Cure JM CSO.
Session 01 – Grace A. Osborne, MD, PhD, Pediatric Dermatologist, University of Michigan offers a high-yield update on dermatologic insights in juvenile myositis from a clinician-researcher actively engaged in dermatomyositis skin pathology. Dr. Osborne will discuss patterns observed in pediatric JM patients at the Michigan Children’s Hospital JM Clinic, highlight how cutaneous findings can serve as biomarkers of disease activity, and share emerging translational perspectives from her recent research. This session offers practical, evidence-informed takeaways for specialists managing skin manifestations of JM and related inflammatory myopathies.
Session 02 – Miloš Miljković, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Cartesian Therapeutics, offers a forward-looking presentation on Cartesian Therapeutics’ pioneering mRNA CAR‑T therapy, Descartes‑08, as it begins its first human trial in autoimmune disease. He will break down the scientific and translational logic underpinning the trial design, including targeting BCMA, the rationale for outpatient dosing, and how their RNA‑based engineering may reduce risk compared to DNA-based CAR‑T therapies. He will also discuss the anticipated pathway forward, regulatory milestones (DC‑08 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA), and why Cartesian believes this RNA cell therapy could reshape treatment paradigms for both adult and pediatric IIM patients.
Session 03 – Expert Panel Discussion on Selected JM Cases, including a case with surprising overlap features and a case involving the use of anifrolumab with possible side effects.
– Led by Dr. Brian Feldman, Head of Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for SickKids, Toronto, Canada and Chair of the Cure JM Medical Advisory Board
– with Dr Lisa Rider, Head and Senior Clinician, Environmental Autoimmunity Group, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
– Dr. Stacey Tarvin, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.
– Dr. Susan Kim, Prof of Pediatrics UCSF School of Medicine, USA
– Dr. Susan Shenoi, Prof of Pediatrics, University of Washington, USA
Closing remarks by – Dr. Stacey Tarvin, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA and chair of Cure JM’s Clinical Care Network.
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