Phase 1: We will test patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies for specific blood proteins* to determine whether they can be used to:
1. diagnose autoimmune inflammatory myopathies;
2. differentiate the type of autoimmune inflammatory myopathies; and,
3. predict future outcomes – complications (i.e. lung disease) or remission.

Phase 2: The results of all these tests will be added to a large database of biomarkers generated from our pilot study. Artificial intelligence or advanced computer algorithms, will be used to help design a panel of the best blood tests.

Phase 3: The newly designed panel of blood tests will be trialed with a newly recruited group of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy patients to ensure the blood tests work well.

Goal: We hope to establish an autoimmune inflammatory myopathies research centre that will continue to provide opportunities for patients to participate in future studies. In the future, we hope these tests will be made available to laboratories and physicians around the world so that they can be used in the clinic to help patients. These tests may also be incorporated into clinical trials and reveal new ways to treat and potentially cure autoimmune inflammatory myopathies.

*Blood Proteins to be tested include complement activations products (CAPs) and sialic acid binding Ig like lectin 1 (SIGLEC-1).