A Pan-American network of rheumatology specialists and related disciplines dedicated to research, education, and dissemination of knowledge on idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), with a focus on myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies and their clinical relevance. Since 2019, the group has operated under a formal agreement with PANLAR, holding symposia, multicenter research, and indexed publications.

 

Mission
 

To generate high-quality scientific evidence on IIM in Latin America and strengthen continuous professional development, integrating international and multicenter cooperation.
 

Lines of work
 

• Immunology and biomarkers: ANA, MSA, and MAA profiles and their clinical correlation.
• Regional multicenter research: shared protocols and coordinated local approvals.
• Training and dissemination: symposia with international leaders and continuous education activities.

 

Key milestones
 

• Foundational symposia: with Euromyositis leaders and regional experts.
• Agreement with PANLAR (May 16, 2019): formalization of the group and launch of the first cooperative research stage.
• Indexed publication (2020): Myositis-Specific and Myositis-Associated Antibodies in IIM from the PANLAR Myositis Study Group (J Clin Rheumatol). Cross-sectional study with 210 patients from 6 countries, reporting regional frequencies (e.g., anti-Mi-2 38.5%, anti-Jo-1 11.9%).

 

Integration and leadership

 

The group brings together researchers from multiple countries, with clinical and academic leadership from Pan-American universities and reference centers, as well as international collaborators (e.g., University of Calgary; University of São Paulo).

 

How to join
 

Professionals interested in clinical or translational research in IIM may join active projects or propose new lines, subject to local ethics approval and group coordination.